Mortal Kombat Jax Briggs Workout Routine

After an outstanding performance from Mehcad Brooks in the new Mortal Kombat Movie, I couldn’t help but break down Jax Briggs workout routine.

Keep in mind, Mehcad is a professional actor. It was his job to give all his time and energy to be the best Jax he could be. As a long time Mortal Kombat fan, he did just that.

In an interview with The Root, here’s what Mehcad had to say about his experience in creating the role of Jax Briggs, “I gained 25 pounds…I was in the gym six days a week, sometimes twice a day. I was doing fight choreography, boxing training, army boxing training five days a week, sometimes on set as well. And I was going home after 14-hour days and watching an hour, two hours of footage on Joe Frazier and Mike Tyson. And then also playing the game to make sure that I was moving like Jax, right? Like I want the fans who play the game to go ‘Oh that’s Jax.”

The following article will be my best representation of what it would take for us entrepreneurs & busy professionals to be your own version of Jax Briggs in your day to day life.

So get ready to rock the body of a modern day superhero with functional strength and power, crush your mission with monk-like discipline, and beat up any bad guys that try to get in your way (metaphorically speaking, of course).

Jax Briggs Mortal Kombat Workout Routine

Mehcad accomplished what most average gym goers fail to do: Gain muscle and strength without the extra body fat.

Most make the mistake of gaining too much body fat in the process of “bulking,” leaving you without any definition. Then falling into the vicious cycle of “cutting” with the chance of losing some of your hard earned muscle mass.

When I’m working with a client, the best advice I have is to focus your workouts on building strength and muscle mass. Fat loss is to be handled strictly with your nutrition. More on that in just a moment.

1 – If you have excess body fat to lose. Tackle that first.

2 – It’s the quickest way to look your best, see noticeable progress and build momentum for yourself.

3 – Once you’re happy with the definition you have, then you can focus on gaining more strength and muscle while minimizing any fat gain.

Entering Jax Brigg’s Workout Routine

MONDAY — Pull Focus

After a proper warm up:

Weighted Chin Up
3 sets of (4-6)(6-8)(8-10) Reps
2-3 minutes rest between sets

Military Press
3 sets of (4-6)(6-8)(8-10) Reps
2-3 minutes rest between sets

Dumbbell Biceps Curl
3 sets of 10 reps
60 seconds rest between sets

Ring Rows
4 sets total
10 reps

• super set with
  Ring Triceps Extension
  15 reps
  90 seconds rest between sets

Turkish Sit Ups
3 sets of (10-15) Reps
60 seconds rest between sets

TUESDAY — Leg Workout

After a proper warm up:

Barbell Back Squat
3 sets of (4-6)(6-8)(8-10) Reps
2-3 minutes rest between sets

Medicine Ball Throws
3 sets
3 throws per set, per side

Barbell Good Mornings
3 sets of 10 reps

• super set
  Calf Raises
  15-20 reps
  90 seconds rest between sets

Reverse Lunges
3 sets of 10 reps

• super set
  Tibialis Raises
  15 reps
  90 seconds rest between sets

Plank Holds
3 sets of max time holds

WEDNESDAY – Sprint Workout or Boxing Class

THURSDAY – Push Focus

After a proper warm up:

Weighted Dips
3 sets of (4-6)(6-8)(8-10) Reps
2-3 minutes rest between sets

Barbell Row
4 sets of 10 reps

• super set
  Dumbbell Triceps Extension
  15 reps
  90 seconds rest between sets

Bench Press
4 sets of 10 reps

• super set
  Barbell curl
  15 reps
  90 seconds rest between sets

Hanging Leg Raises
3 sets of (8-12) reps
60 seconds rest between sets

FRIDAY — Leg Workout

After a proper warm up:

Deadlift
3 sets of (4-6)(6-8)(8-10) Reps
2-3 minutes rest between sets

Box Jump
5 sets of 3 jumps
60 seconds rest between sets

Heel Elevated Front Squat
4 sets of 10 reps

• super set
  Calf Raises
  15-20 reps
  90 seconds rest between sets

Back Extension
4 sets of 10 reps

• super set
  Tibialis raises
  10-20 reps
  90 seconds rest between sets

SATURDAY – Mobility With Optional Cardio

3 rounds:
Jefferson curl
8 reps
Horse stance squat
8 reps

3 rounds:
Straddle piles
8 reps
One leg L-sit straddle compression
15 reps

3 rounds:
Cuban press
8 reps
Shoulder external rotation on ground
15 reps

3 rounds:
Pull over
8 reps
Shoulders extension
8 reps

Sunday – Rest/Walking

Workout Notes

If you cannot perform a certain exercise, remember that all exercises can scale to your current level of fitness. For example if you cannot perform weighted chin ups. Try starting with bodyweight rows or bodyweight chin ups.

3 sets of (4-6)(6-8)(8-10) Reps
2-3 minutes rest between sets

Means you’ll start with a weight you can lift safely within the given rep range. Each set, decrease the weight by 10% and reach the target rep range.

The goal every workout is to add 1 more rep or 5 more pounds when you can to ensure progressive overload and consistent gains.

Keep a workout log to track your progress.

Schedule your workouts ahead of time in your calendar to maintain consistency.

Jax Briggs Mortal Kombat Diet Plan

First things first: Mechad in real life, and Jax in the movie ARE NOT letting their performance suffer with processed foods, artificial ingredients, inflammatory oils, or relying on temporary energy drinks.

Eat close to nature.

You’re going to harness the power of REAL FOOD. Allowing for endless energy, balanced hormones, lean muscle mass, and a fast metabolism for fat burning.

Core Diet Staples

• Bone broth
• Collagen
• Raw milk/raw dairy products
• Grass fed beef and organ meats
• Wild salmon/seafood/oysters
• Pasture raised chicken and eggs
• Root vegetables
• Plenty of fruit
• Local honey
• Dark chocolate

Do the best you can to get locally sourced, organic ingredients when you can.

If you’d like to get an extra edge with supplements after you have a healthy diet foundation: Creatine and essential amino acids for training will give you an extra edge.

Trent McCloskey’s Favorite Hack: Eat Fruit For Dessert

One of my favorite ways to avoid temptation into cheat meals and desserts is to eat fruit for dinner. Get yourself some juicy, fresh fruit topped with some local honey and you’ll be dancing the night away full and satisfied…

With the added bonus of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and extra glycogen to help replenish your muscles after training.

What You Should Avoid

The following is the culprit for inflammation, ruining insulin sensitivity, digestion issues and more.

• Canola Oil
• Vegetable Oil
• Corn Oil
• Industrial Seed Oils
• Soy
• White Table Sugar
• Commercial Grains/Wheat
• Carrageenan
• Xanthan Gum
• Artificial Sweeteners
• Fortified Iron (added iron, listed on label)

Diet Guidelines

I recommend you aim to get in at least 0.8g to 1g per pound of body weight for your protein intake each day along with a balance of carbs and healthy fats.

If you’re ready for a lean bulk you can eat roughly 16 calories per pound of current body weight.

If you have some extra fat to lose, start with eating 12 calories per pound of current body weight.

You can then monitor and see if you’re gaining fat to quickly or feeling like you need more energy and adjust calories accordingly. After you get into a groove, you won’t have to track calories as closely but it will help you get off to a quick start!

Jax Brigg’s Recovery Methods

The greats understand that after the work is done, it’s during rest where we grow stronger.

True transformation is when you address mind, body, and spirit.

Here are some of my favorite practices to help you recover, destress, and stay focused.

Mediation & Gratitude

If you’re reading this you have fresh air, your heart is beating and a roof over your head. It’s a gift.
Begin your mornings with gratitude and watch a life you’re obsessed with unfold before you. With all the working out you’ll be doing on this plan, it’s even more important to work IN, to center yourself, stay clear on your needs, and nourish your spirit.

Sauna & Cold Plunges

Contrast therapy is becoming increasing popular and has been shown to have tremendous benefits on your longevity, recovery, fat burning potential and more! Both practices will help you develop iron grit as an added bonus.

Foam Rolling & Massage

You’re going to be hitting the weights hard. It’s important you give yourself the extra edge of foam rolling/massage/body work so you’re not slowed down by any kinks.

Community

Without a sense of community and tribe that has your back, your health will suffer. Jax has his team. Make sure you’re surrounding yourself with others that lift you up, challenge you, and give you the space needed to reach your highest potential.

Closing Thoughts

Transforming your body and health with have such a major impact on other areas of your life.

This will require discipline. How are you showing up day by day? Would Jax approve? Stay organized, schedule your time, put in the work and you’ll look back thanking yourself.

I appreciate you taking the time to read this article and I hope it makes an impact on your daily habits.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Trent McCloskey is the creator of Train Eat Live. My mission is to empower men around the world to take control of their bodies and change their entire life’s course through fitness.

We help entrepreneurs and busy professionals optimize their daily habits to unlock their body’s true potential. Through holistic and lifestyle friendly habits, you can expect stubborn fat loss, lean muscle mass, endless energy, confidence, and more excitement for life.

Let’s connect on Instagram: @traineatlivefitness

If you’d like more tailored workout and diet plans, please join me for this free live training here.