If there's one thing pretty much every single superhero has in common, it's an incredible physique. Being fit could be the crucial factor in winning the battle between good and evil. Some heroes may have gained their abilities through an accident or a genetic mutation but that doesn't mean they're automatically set for their superhero life.
Working out and training is something we all try do in our normal lives. For the average person, it might be a little easier having a regular nine to five job. For the superhero, life is a little more unpredictable. Based on the nature of their power, there might not be a huge need for them to work out on a regular basis. Working out can keep a person in shape and even make them better. When can superheroes find the time to work out?
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There are many heroes that do not have superpowers. Heroes such as Batman, Hawkeye, Moon Knight and Batwoman all need to maintain their physical prowess. They did not get bit by a radioactive critter, suffer from a freak accident or arrive from another planet. Their abilities have been developed and must be maintained.
If you look at the top athletes in sports, once they hit top form, they can't just sit back and enjoy their months or years of training. There is always room of improvement and also the need to maintain their top form. We have seen heroes working out and training. It's crucial to allowing them to stay in the superhero game. Becoming an expert in crimefighting isn't something you achieve and then forget about. Like with athletes, it's something you have to continue to work on.
If the hero doesn't possess any actual superpowers, it's essential that they keep their bodies and skills at their absolute best. This means they have to establish a firm workout regimen. It's not something they can slack on. Going soft just a little bit could cost them their lives or the lives of others.
The problem with a superhero career is you can't keep normal hours. A hero is pretty much on call all the time. Many sacrifice their personal lives in order to be available to save the day when needed. Other heroes have the luxury of residing in a place that has a built in gym or training room to keep them in shape. A firm schedule is important but obviously heroes might have to skip out on workout sessions if their called upon to fight an evil presence.
What about the heroes with powers?
Does Superman, Spider-Man, Hulk and Wonder Woman have to work out?
Superman gains his powers and abilities from Earth's yellow sun. Did he have to work on building up his incredible physique or did the sun's energy transform his body into the perfect specimen over the years? Once he learned to fly or use his heat vision, does he have to keep working on them to be able to use those abilities to their fullest potential?
Hulk is all about rage and gamma radiation. Is there any need for him to work out? Does Hulk have to watch what he eats? If Hulk starts eating a diet high in fat, would he eventually get out of shape or does the gamma radiation eat away at any bad substance he puts into his body? Why did the gamma radiation make him so ripped in the first place?
Spider-Man might not necessarily work on making sure his spider-sense are as sensitive as possible or that he can easily stick to any surface but he has been known to stay in shape.
Recently he even started training with Shang-Chi in order to master the art of Kung Fu. As with normal people, Spider-Man will have to keep practicing and training if he doesn't want his Kung Fu abilities to get rusty.
Not all heroes need to work out on a strict schedule but it would be in their best interest to do so. It might be difficult to fit a set schedule into their every day lives since they are called to duty whenever they are needed. Even heroes that have natural abilities or have gained an incredible power, it's crucial that they maintain their skills.
There is always room for improvement and they shouldn't simply settle for the level of superheroing they're currently at. A hero needs to find the time to keep training and perhaps they can continue to get that extra edge that will keep allowing them to win the fight against evil and save the lives of the innocent.
