A few months ago, I wrote a post describing the workout completed by the cast of the epic action film "300." Based on the information I obtained (sourced from a myriad of reputable publications, including Men's Health magazine), I explained the exercise regimen supposedly followed by the actors. But, it turns out that information was somewhat inaccurate.

Since then, and after investigating further, I've discovered that the so-called "300 Workout" was actually designed to be a challenge to the actors, a test of their willpower and strength once they reached the apogee of physical fintess. Their workouts consisted of hours upon hours of greuling training at the Gym Jones training facility in Utah, incorporating a wide variety of functional training movements (you can watch videos of many of the workouts on the gymjones.com website). With regard to the aformentioned "300 Challenge," this was attempted only by some of the actors and successfully completed by even less. However, in order to even be deemed worthy of taking the 300 Workout test, the actors had to first complete the two other tests that led up it

The first test was referred to as The Barbarian Horde Workout. It was a circuit routine that was completed two times, resting one minute between exercises. It consisted of the same exercises as the "300 Challenge," but was much less intense in terms of number of reps and rest time. If this test was passed, the actor was then permitted to move onto the next test, which was known as The Greek Hoplite Workout. This workout/test again consisted of the same exercises, but unlike the first test, rest time was reduced to thirty seconds between exercises (the circuit was still completed twice). If this test was passed, then and only then could the actor attempt to pass the "300 Challenge."

For a video demonstration of the exercises used in all three test levels, click here.

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It's near impossible to watch Frank Miller's epic film 300 without marveling at the peak physical condition that all of the actors are in. From the lead, Gerard Butler as King Leonid, down to Spartan Soldier #299 (whoever he may be), every last one of these dudes were shredded. You took a look at these guys and thought, if any 300 guys could take on an army of 1 million, it's probably them. But, in reality, Spartan warriors they are not. They're actors; thespians portraying the eight-packed, human version of a well-conceived graphic novel. So, the question remains: How did these guys get into such great shape?

The answer is the 300 workout, designed specifically for the film's actors and, according to Butler, designed to make them want to throw-up. Bottom line, the 300 workout is absolutely grueling, and I speak from experience after having following the routine myself for the past month.

Any interest in looking like a Spartan warrior? If you answered yes, then you're either crazy and a glutton for punishment, or you're still both of those but you are also looking for a killer, new workout. Well, to that I say: This is Sparta!!

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