Brandon Sklenar Is the Cowboy You Should Be Training Like
Photo Credit: Flaunt
There’s rugged. And then there’s Spencer Dutton rugged—grizzled, shirtless in Africa, shoveling coal with a glare that could kill a snake. Brandon Sklenar didn’t just play this role on 1923—he lived it, built it, bled for it (literally), and transformed himself into a post–WWI cowboy carved from war scars and protein powder. If you’ve been lifting for aesthetics, Sklenar’s physical prep will make you rethink your entire approach. This isn’t beach muscle. This is “survive lions and a decade of trauma” muscle.
Let’s break down the real work that turned Sklenar into a man who, in his own words, wanted to feel like “a bit more of an animal.”
His Goal: Grit Over Glam
Brandon didn’t chase abs for abs’ sake. He wanted to physically feel Spencer Dutton—someone who’s been through war, wilderness, and more therapy than he’ll ever admit.
“He’s been shoveling coal for four months… I wanted to feel stronger and more intimidating,” Sklenar told Man About Town.
Photos: Paramount+
And stronger he became. To prepare, Sklenar began training months before filming, pushing his limits to build both mass and menace. And yes—he did all his own stunts, including one where he split his head open on set. No stand-ins. Just superglue and digital cleanup. Cowboy stuff.
The Brandon Sklenar Workout Breakdown
While he hasn’t released an official day-by-day plan (rude), interviews and behind-the-scenes glimpses reveal a gritty hybrid of functional strength, compound lifts, HIIT, and old-school cowboy training.
Compound Lifting: His foundation was rooted in heavy squats, deadlifts, and overhead presses. Think power, not polish.
HIIT & Conditioning: Sklenar mixed in intense circuits to stay agile for stunt work—sprints, sleds, bodyweight finishers.
Stunt Training & Horseback Work: Before shooting 1923, Sklenar went through "cowboy camp" for two months to nail horseback riding, wrangler training, and weapon handling—talk about functional fitness.
Outdoor Resistance: Many scenes involved physically demanding environments—swinging tools, trekking in boots, and handling rifles. If you want to train like him, add in sandbag carries, weighted vest hikes, or battle ropes for that cinematic edge.
For those wanting a peek at how actors build superhero—or cowboy—bodies, his look mirrors routines seen in our Hollywood body prep guide.
The Food? Probably Elk.
Sklenar’s exact diet is under wraps, but it’s clear it supported size, endurance, and recovery. His transformation speaks to a high-protein intake with whole-food staples like steak, salmon, eggs, and seasonal vegetables—likely aligned to his lifting sessions.
His prep reportedly started six months in advance, likely with structured macros and intense nutrition discipline. That’s supported by a feature from FandomWire, which noted he approached 1923 with a plan to show up "visibly bigger" and more feral.
Hydration, timed carbs, and quick-digesting proteins after workouts would have been essential—an approach we also covered in our lean bulking breakdown.
The Result: Mass with Meaning
This wasn't Marvel training. It was menace training. Brandon didn’t want to just look strong—he wanted to feel like a force.
“Someone with that amount of love and conviction—and someone so physically capable—should be feared,” he told Interview Magazine.
By the time he filmed the lion attack scene in Africa, he wasn’t just acting the part—he was living it. The injuries were real. The body was real. The pain? Definitely real.
Want to Train Like Brandon? Try This Cowboy Circuit
If you want a little Spencer Dutton edge in your own gym routine, start here:
# Cowboy Strength Circuit (Repeat 4x) 1. Barbell Deadlift – 5 reps at 80% max 2. Pull-ups – 10 reps (weighted if possible) 3. Sandbag Front Carry – 50 feet 4. Dumbbell Overhead Press – 8 reps per side 5. Sled Push or Farmer's Walk – 40 yards Rest 60–90 seconds between rounds
Follow with an ab finisher and a gallon of water. Optional: stare into the middle distance until someone calls you emotionally unavailable.
Final Thoughts
Brandon Sklenar didn’t get jacked for clout—he did it for craft. His approach reminds us that the best bodies aren’t built in vanity. They’re built in service of something—art, story, character, survival. Want to look like a star? Train like a survivor.
Suggested Reading from The Skin Sophisticate
Muscle Gain vs. Fat Loss: How to Balance Your Body Goals
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