Dwayne Johnson’s Men’s Health Take: Black Adam, Age 50 & Drive

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, interviewed from his sunlit Los Angeles home office—complete with a T. rex skull replica and Teremana tequila display—embodies relentless energy. Clad in a Project Rock muscle tee revealing tattooed biceps, Johnson, fresh from the buzz around his long-gestating passion project Black Adam, discussed his career, turning 50, and his intense fitness philosophy in a detailed dwayne johnson men’s health feature. Despite his massive stardom, Johnson embraced the challenge of playing an antihero and achieving the best physical condition of his life for the role.

The Black Adam Challenge: Peak Physique and Antihero Role

Johnson revealed that the Black Adam project was 15 years in the making, with a formal agreement forged seven years ago between Seven Bucks Productions, Warner Bros., and DC. “What excited me about it was delivering a character in the superhero genre that had never been seen before,” he explained. The unique appeal lay in Black Adam’s ambiguity: “depending on how you interpret his philosophies—is he a superhero, an antihero, or just a bad dude?” Unlike Superman’s strict moral code, Black Adam operates differently. “You can’t finish your sentence if you mean harm to him or his family,” Johnson stated.

Playing a character operating in the gray area resonated deeply with Johnson, reflecting his own journey in Hollywood. He recalled being told early in his career: “You can’t call yourself the Rock. You can’t talk about pro wrestling… Lose weight… this is how you have to be.” After trying to conform, he ultimately rejected those constraints: “Man, fuck this. I can’t be like that… I’m not in a box. Don’t tell me how to be. I’m going to be myself.” This defiance mirrored Black Adam’s own uncompromising nature.

Achieving the necessary physique was paramount. “That was our goal, for me to bring in the best physique possible,” Johnson said, emphasizing this included surpassing his football and wrestling days. Working closely with trainer Dave Rienzi, the real test wasn’t just reaching peak condition but sustaining it for months. “You can’t do that [grit and grind], because your body can’t sustain it and your body will break down,” he noted. Instead, they employed a scientific approach, constantly monitoring his body, sodium intake, and carbs. Johnson proudly shared they removed all muscle padding from the Black Adam suit: “Let’s be disruptive… When you have that suit on, every detail shows.”

Dwayne Johnson in character as Black Adam, showcasing the physique he trained for.

Turning 50: Training Smarter, Not Just Harder

Reflecting on turning 50 in May 2022, Johnson aimed to “hit the fifth level in my rhythm and groove.” His goal was to ensure his body wasn’t excessively banged up from years of intense physical activity. “In my 30s and early 40s… I was still feeling the effects of all my wrestling injuries,” he admitted. “At 40, I said, ‘Okay, I’m going to spend the next decade training as smart as I can… balancing out training and family and work… not worrying about ego training… so hopefully, by the time I hit the fifth level, my joints are feeling great and I’m still able to not only maintain but add real muscle.’” He concluded, feeling “pretty good” about reaching this milestone.

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson demonstrates intense focus during a workout session for Men's Health.

His training methodology has evolved. While maintaining intensity, he focuses on smarter techniques, avoiding joint-stressing Olympic lifts he did in his 20s. “I actually train shorter, but I get more out of it,” he shared. Experience taught him to listen to his body, distinguishing between productive pain and injury signals requiring rest.

Inside The Rock’s Diet: Discipline and Macros

Johnson’s diet philosophy is straightforward: “Eat clean and make sure that my diet is commensurate with my goals.” He emphasizes consistency, often eating the same meals daily for extended periods. “It’s very consistent. It’s very boring. It’s also extremely disciplined,” he stated, crediting his father for teaching him early on “not to eat to please the tongue but to eat to nourish the body.”

His typical day involves six meals. Breakfast includes eggs, bison, oatmeal, and fruit (papaya or blueberries). A mid-morning meal features chicken breast, rice, and greens. Dinner consists of fish or chicken, sweet potatoes, and greens. Macronutrient ratios are carefully managed by his team (nutritionist, strength coach, chef advisor) and typically fall within protein 40–45%, carbs 40–50%, and fats 15–20%. “We’ve got it down to a science where we fine-tune the macros and I never feel hungry,” Johnson highlighted, noting this prevents the hunger often associated with strict dieting.

The Rock showcases his physique in a Project Rock sleeveless hoodie during his Men's Health photoshoot.

Training Evolution and Mental Fortitude

Beyond physical gains, Johnson views training as crucial for “psychological nourishment.” He believes the gym teaches fundamental skills: “discipline, working through your fatigue, pushing past what you perceive as a limit. ’Cause there’s greatness on the other side.” These small and large achievements build mental resilience.

He also acknowledged the role of fitness in managing his past experiences with depression. “The gym became my best friend,” he recalled. While not a complete fix, “You’re able to go to the gym to sweat out toxins and get a little bit more clarity when you walk out the door. It helps.”

With over 340 million Instagram followers, Johnson feels a responsibility to share valuable fitness content. “One of the responsibilities… is to make sure that the things I’m posting are smart, training-wise—not dumb shit that’ll get you hurt,” he asserted, criticizing ego-driven, dangerous exercises sometimes seen online. He typically posts content towards the end of his workouts, maintaining focus during the session itself: “I get in the gym and I don’t fuck around.”

Beyond the Gym: Mana, Vulnerability, and Balance

Johnson opened up about his connection to his Samoan heritage through the concept of mana. “Really what it means is like an energy, a force, a power that we all have,” he explained. It serves as his “daily anchor,” reminding him of his culture, work ethic, humility, gratitude, and the importance of human connection. He feels mana palpably, even in the gym environment. As life progresses, he finds his connection to spirituality deepening, leading to a richer understanding of mana.

Dwayne Johnson connects his Polynesian heritage and the concept of mana to his daily life in Men's Health.

When asked about fears, Johnson admitted that ensuring things “shake out” correctly—plans, family well-being—keeps him up. He uses the quiet late-night hours for deep thinking and planning. “Tequila helps, too,” he quipped. Prioritization comes down to passion: “If they don’t get me out of bed and if I’m not running toward those things, then I don’t do them.” Balance is maintained by staying connected to simple, core values amidst the craziness of fame.

Crucially, Johnson stressed the power of vulnerability and communication. “One of the defining, seminal moments in my life was when I really realized the power and the value of asking for help,” he shared. He advocates against the male tendency to suppress issues due to ego. Recalling his own past struggles and losing friends who didn’t seek help, he urged, “You gotta communicate. You gotta ask for help. There’s no shame in that.”

In conclusion, Dwayne Johnson’s Men’s Health feature painted a picture of a global superstar deeply committed to relentless hard work, disciplined health practices, and continuous personal growth. From achieving his peak physique for Black Adam to navigating the complexities of fame, family, and turning 50, Johnson emphasizes smart training, mental resilience, cultural connection through mana, and the vital importance of vulnerability and seeking help.