Nerd Alert. The following post will reference comic book characters in a completely awesome way.

Still reading? Good.

Every summer, fitness magazines reveal secret superhero workouts. Last summer we learned how Chris Evans and Chris Helmsworth got in shape to look like Captain America and Thor. This year, people are learning to train like Katniss Everdeen for their own version of the Hunger Games. I’m looking forward to reading this summer’s articles about what Anne Hathaway did to get in shape to be Catwoman. What’s her secret? Yoga? Zumba? Crossfit?

Anyway, what I want to share with you is a little snippet from Hugh Jackman, known for his X-men character, Wolverine. He sat down with Men’s Fitness a couple years back and told his secret about how he got in shape to play Wolverine.

“When I have 315 pounds above me, there’s that little breaking point,” he says. “You either get really pissed off at that weight, or you ask for help from your spotter. It’s that exact point — and every guy reading this article will recognize it — when Wolverine gets not just pissed off, but insanely pissed off. I try to reach that point every day in my workout. And then push through it.”

That’s right. Hugh Jackman gets in character by pretending to be Wolverine in the gym.

That’s awesome.

Here are some training tips we can learn from Wolverine.

Get “pissed off” –  Sorry about the word choice, mother, but Hugh Jackman is right. Sometimes getting really mad, and venting all your frustrations from the day at the gym is a great way to unwind and get a fantastic workout. Especially if you are weight lifting. It is the most fantastic way to channel negative energy in a positive way. Testosterone. Grrrr…

Don’t back down –  Badass of the Week dedicated a whole week to Wolverine. “He’ll take on anybody, anytime, anywhere, no matter what the size differential may be, and he doesn’t stop fighting.  Ever.” We might not be fighting mutants in the gym, but the mentality and toughness still applies. Don’t back down from your challenges. Don’t stop fighting for your goals. If you do see a mutant in the gym, please don’t use this article as an excuse to pick a fight.

Team up, but find your own way – Wolverine doesn’t follow the pack. He carves his own way, sometimes literally. In the fitness industry, there are so many distractions, so many quick fixes and fads, so much misinformation. Be like Wolverine. He knows when to team-up. Have your own “X-men” or superhero team you trust – a personal trainer, a nutritionist, a group fitness instructor, and supportive friends. Listen to them, but find something that is special to you.  When you find a physical activity you love, it becomes so much easier to achieve your fitness goals and get healthy. Find what works for you. Carve your own path.

Not a big fan of Wolverine? Maybe you prefer DC comics to Marvel?

You can always be Batman.