Chris Cormier Workout Routine and Diet

Written by James C., M.S.(C), PT

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Born in Palm Springs, California, Chris Cormier, known as “The Real Deal,” is a titan in the realm of professional bodybuilding.

His journey to stardom began in his teenage years when he discovered a passion and natural talent for physical fitness.

This early dedication paved the way to a remarkable career in bodybuilding, where he firmly established himself as an industry heavyweight.

Cormier’s crowning achievements include more than 20 professional victories and consistent finishes in the top 5 at the Mr. Olympia competitions, the pinnacle of competitive bodybuilding.

Beyond his laurels, Cormier is highly acclaimed for his unique approach to training and diet.

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His comprehensive workout routine and rigorous nutrition plan had a significant role to play in his success, establishing him as a symbol of resilience and discipline in the bodybuilding world.

The subsequent sections will delve deeper into the intricate details of Chris Cormier’s workout regime and diet, providing an inside look into the lifestyle of this esteemed bodybuilder.

Chris Cormier’s Workout Split

Chris Cormier’s workout split was meticulously strategized to optimize muscle growth and recovery.

A week in Cormier’s training regime typically unfolded as follows:

  • Monday: Chest and Biceps. Cormier believed in starting the week strong with a focus on pushing exercises targeting chest and biceps.
  • Tuesday: Legs. The second day of the week was reserved for the most demanding body part — legs.
  • Wednesday: Rest. Cormier valued rest as much as training, using this day to maximize muscle recovery and growth.
  • Thursday: Back and Triceps. Cormier devoted day four to building his impressive back and triceps.
  • Friday: Shoulders and Calves. Towards the end of the week, Cormier concentrated efforts on sculpting his shoulders and calves.
  • Saturday: Rest. Cormier utilized this day for rest and rejuvenation before the last workout of the week.
  • Sunday: Full-body workout. The week culminated in a vigorous full-body workout, encompassing all major muscle groups.

Just as the body parts targeted varied each day, so too did the exercises, intensity, and volume, ensuring Cormier’s training remained dynamic and challenging.

The ‘Real Deal’ Workout Routine

After understanding the structure of Chris Cormier’s workout split, it’s time to delve into the specifics of his routine.

The ‘Real Deal’ workout routine was designed to push the body to its limits, fostering unprecedented muscle growth and physical endurance.

It was more than just a series of exercises; it was a testament to Cormier’s unwavering discipline and tenacity in the face of challenge.

The following section will provide a comprehensive rundown of Cormier’s workout routine, outlining the specific exercises he performed, complete with the number of sets and repetitions.

Through this, we gain insight into the arduous regime that helped shape Cormier into the world-class bodybuilder he is known as today.

Monday: Chest and Biceps

On Mondays, Chris Cormier focused on his chest and biceps.

He believed in kick-starting the week with a powerful workout that targeted these specific muscle groups. Below is a detailed overview of his Monday regimen:

  1. Barbell Bench Press: 5 sets of 12, 10, 8, 6, 6 repetitions
  2. Incline Dumbbell Press: 4 sets of 12, 10, 8, 6 repetitions
  3. Dumbbell Flyes: 4 sets of 12 repetitions
  4. Cable Crossover: 3 sets of 15 repetitions
  5. Standing Barbell Curl: 4 sets of 12, 10, 8, 6 repetitions
  6. Hammer Curl: 4 sets of 12, 10, 8, 6 repetitions
  7. Concentration Curl: 3 sets of 12 repetitions

Cormier’s Monday workout emphasized a blend of compound and isolated exercises to stimulate both the major and minor muscle groups in the chest and biceps.

Each set was done with precision and control, reflecting Cormier’s commitment to form and focus on muscle mind connection.

Tuesday: Legs

For Cormier, Tuesday was all about the legs. He understood the importance of a strong foundation and dedicated this day to an intense leg workout. Here’s a detailed glance at his Tuesday schedule:

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  1. Squats: 5 sets of 12, 10, 8, 6, 6 repetitions
  2. Leg Press: 4 sets of 12, 10, 8, 6 repetitions
  3. Lunges: 4 sets of 12 repetitions
  4. Leg Extensions: 3 sets of 15 repetitions
  5. Lying Leg Curls: 4 sets of 12, 10, 8, 6 repetitions
  6. Standing Calf Raises: 4 sets of 12, 10, 8, 6 repetitions
  7. Seated Calf Raises: 3 sets of 12 repetitions

Tuesday was dedicated to intense lower body training for Cormier. The leg day routine included various exercises targeting all leg muscles – quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves.

Starting with compound movements like squats and leg press, Cormier focused on major muscle groups for strength and growth.

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He then switched to isolated exercises like leg extensions and seated calf raises to enhance definition and symmetry.

Each set was executed with precision, reflecting Cormier’s commitment to form and the mind-muscle connection.

In summary, Tuesday’s rigorous leg routine played a key role in building Cormier’s impressive lower body strength and muscularity.

Thursday: Back and Triceps

Cormier’s Thursday workout involved a combination of back and triceps exercises. His routine consisted of the following:

  1. Deadlifts: 5 sets of 12, 10, 8, 6, 6 repetitions
  2. Bent Over Rows: 4 sets of 12, 10, 8, 6 repetitions
  3. Lat Pulldowns: 4 sets of 12 repetitions
  4. Seated Cable Rows: 3 sets of 15 repetitions
  5. Tricep Dips: 4 sets of 12, 10, 8, 6 repetitions
  6. Close Grip Bench Press: 4 sets of 12, 10, 8, 6 repetitions
  7. Tricep Pushdown: 3 sets of 12 repetitions

During Thursday’s workouts, Cormier trained his back and triceps. This day consisted of compound movements such as deadlifts and bent-over rows to build mass and strength.

It was complemented by exercises like lat pulldowns and seated cable rows to enhance muscle definition.

The day’s routine also addressed the triceps with a series of targeted exercises, including tricep dips, close grip bench presses, and tricep pushdowns.

Each exercise was performed in a series of sets and repetitions designed to maximize muscle growth and endurance.

Overall, Thursday’s workout was an intensive regimen aimed at developing the back and triceps muscle groups.

Friday: Shoulders and Calves

On Fridays, Cormier targeted his shoulders and calves, focusing on sculpting and defining these areas. Here’s his Friday routine:

  1. Overhead Press: 5 sets of 12, 10, 8, 6, 6 repetitions
  2. Lateral Raises: 4 sets of 12, 10, 8, 6 repetitions
  3. Front Raises: 4 sets of 12 repetitions
  4. Rear Delt Flyes: 3 sets of 15 repetitions
  5. Calf Press: 4 sets of 12, 10, 8, 6 repetitions
  6. Donkey Calf Raises: 4 sets of 12, 10, 8, 6 repetitions
  7. Box Jumps: 3 sets of 12 repetitions

On Fridays, Chris Cormier’s workout regimen involved a keen focus on his shoulders and calves.

His training sequence contained exercises like overhead presses and lateral raises for shoulder development, and calf press and donkey calf raises for strengthening and defining calf muscles.

The day’s workout was rounded off with box jumps, adding an element of plyometric training for enhanced muscle power and agility.

This structured approach on Fridays was integral to Cormier’s overall workout routine, contributing to his well-rounded and defined physique.

Saturday: Rest Day

After a week of relentless training, Cormier dedicated Saturdays to rest and recovery.

He understood the importance of giving his body time to recover, repair tissues, and build strength.

This rest day was as crucial to his fitness regimen as the workout days, allowing his muscles to absorb the impact of the grueling training sessions throughout the week.

Rest days also helped prevent overtraining, ensuring that Cormier was always in optimal condition to tackle the new week’s challenges.

Sunday: Full Body Workout

Sunday was a full-body workout day for Cormier, a comprehensive routine encompassing all major muscle groups.

The exercises varied week by week to maintain challenge and muscle confusion.

Cormier’s dedication to a consistent, diverse workout routine was instrumental in his physical prowess and success in competitive bodybuilding.

The range of exercises, sets, and repetitions ensured a balanced approach to muscle development and strength building, contributing to his distinguished career.

Chris Cormier’s Diet

Chris Cormier believed firmly in the role nutrition played in complementing his rigorous workout routine.

Understanding its impact on muscle recovery, growth, and overall health, he adopted a diet philosophy rooted in balance, quality, and consistency.

Cormier’s diet incorporated a high-protein intake to support his intense training and muscle building.

He also recognized the role of carbohydrates as a primary energy source, especially necessary for his high-volume and high-frequency training sessions.

Cormier also included healthy fats in his diet, essential for hormone regulation and other vital body functions.

While he was quite strict and disciplined about his diet, he also advocated for flexibility, acknowledging the importance of occasionally indulging cravings to maintain a sustainable and long-term approach to nutrition.

Cormier’s sound diet philosophy, combined with his intense workout routine, contributed to his success as a bodybuilder and served as a testament to his commitment to the sport and his health.

A Typical Day of Eating for Chris Cormier

A typical day of eating for Chris Cormier would usually look like this:

  1. Breakfast: Whole grain toast with peanut butter, scrambled eggs, and a protein shake.
  2. Mid-morning Snack: A handful of nuts and a piece of fruit.
  3. Lunch: Grilled chicken breast, steamed broccoli, and brown rice.
  4. Afternoon Snack: Greek yogurt with a scoop of protein powder and berries.
  5. Dinner: Baked salmon, quinoa, and a side of mixed vegetables.
  6. Evening Snack: Cottage cheese with almonds and a protein shake.
  7. Throughout the Day: Plenty of water to stay hydrated, along with periodic protein shakes to keep protein levels high.

This diet ensured Cormier received the adequate nutrients necessary for muscle recovery and growth, energy sustenance, and overall health.

His meals were balanced and varied, maintaining his interest and commitment to his dietary plan.

Conclusion

Chris Cormier’s workout routine is a testament to his dedication, discipline, and understanding of physical fitness.

He crafted a regimen that targeted every muscle group, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive approach to building his body.

His commitment to resting and recovery was as evident as his devotion to training, recognizing the importance of both in achieving his fitness goals.

Cormier’s dietary philosophy, balancing high-quality protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, complemented his training, providing the necessary nutrients for muscle recovery and growth.

His approach to eating was both disciplined and flexible, recognizing the role of balance in maintaining a sustainable diet.

Chris Cormier’s workout regimen and diet provide a valuable blueprint for anyone looking to improve their fitness, build strength, and develop a more muscular physique.

Through his success and dedication, Cormier truly earned his title as “The Real Deal” in the world of bodybuilding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Chris Cormier’s Workout Routine and Diet

Q1: How many days a week did Chris Cormier train?

A: Chris Cormier trained six days a week, dedicating each day to different muscle groups. He reserved one day for rest and recovery, which he regarded as just as crucial as the workout days.

Q2: What was Chris Cormier’s diet like?

A: Cormier’s diet was rooted in balance, quality, and consistency. It primarily consisted of high-protein foods to support his intense training and muscle building. He also included carbohydrates for energy and healthy fats for hormone regulation.

Q3: Was there any variety in Chris Cormier’s workout routine?

A: Absolutely. While Cormier followed a defined routine, he varied the exercises week by week to maintain a challenge and keep his muscles guessing. This approach was instrumental in his physical prowess and success in competitive bodybuilding.

Q4: How did Chris Cormier manage muscle recovery?

A: In addition to consuming a high-protein diet for muscle recovery, Cormier also dedicated a day for rest and recovery. This rest day allowed his muscles to absorb the impact of the rigorous training sessions and helped prevent overtraining.

Q5: What is a typical day of eating for Chris Cormier?

A: A typical day of eating for Cormier included whole grains, protein sources like eggs and meat, fruits, vegetables, and plenty of water. He allowed for occasional indulgences to maintain a sustainable long-term approach to nutrition.

Q6: What was the philosophy behind Chris Cormier’s workout routine and diet?

A: Cormier’s workout and diet routine were based on the philosophy of balance and consistency. He believed in targeting all muscle groups, consuming a balanced diet, and giving equal importance to rest and recovery. His disciplined yet flexible approach to fitness and nutrition was the key to his success in bodybuilding.

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