Mackenyu unveils buffer physique for ‘One Piece’ season 2
The actor’s trainer reveals how he built Zoro’s powerful body
Fans of Netflix’s live-action adaptation “One Piece” have always admired Zoro’s sword skills—but lately, the conversation online has been drifting a little lower… straight to the abs. And judging by the latest training reveals, the hype around Mackenyu Arata’s physique for Season 2 might actually be justified.
The actor, who plays the three-sword-wielding pirate hunter Roronoa Zoro, has noticeably leveled up physically for the new season currently streaming on Netflix. Behind that transformation is Cape Town–based trainer Lloyd Naicker, who recently shared the intense routine that helped Mackenyu build a more powerful on-screen presence.
According to Lloyd, the actor trained seven days a week for about three hours per session, following a strict nutrition program designed by his team. The commitment was serious—some workouts even happened after night shoots, with sessions starting as early as 4 a.m. at MyGym in Cape Town.
“Some days we even trained directly after night shoots at 2 a.m.,” Lloyd shared in his post, adding that Mackenyu is “one of the most dedicated clients” he has worked with.
The transformation didn’t come from random workouts either. Lloyd revealed that they experimented with different methods—including drop sets and supersets—before discovering that rest-pause training worked best for Mackenyu’s body. The method focuses on short bursts of intense reps followed by quick pauses, allowing muscles to push past fatigue.
Nutrition and recovery were equally important to the process. The trainer emphasized a strict meal plan built around fueling the actor before, during, and after workouts, while recovery routines—like stretching, sauna sessions, and massage—helped maintain performance and prevent injuries.
For strength training, their split targeted key muscle groups to achieve Zoro’s signature warrior build. Chest workouts included variations of dumbbell presses and body-weight exercises, while leg days focused heavily on calves using movements like the leg press. Core work, including sit-ups and leg raises, rounded out the routine to create the sharp midsection fans have been noticing online.
Lloyd also trained Mackenyu’s co-star Iñaki Godoy—who plays Luffy—for a viral shirtless scene, proving the entire Straw Hat crew has been putting in serious gym time.
Mackenyu later responded to the post with a simple but heartfelt tribute:
“This guy wakes up at 3 a.m. to train me from 4 a.m. every morning. Couldn’t have done it without Lloyd.”
If the current transformation is already turning heads, fans might want to brace themselves. The trainer teased that Mackenyu’s physique could look even more impressive in a potential Season 3, hinting that the swordsman’s training journey is far from over.
Check out the full workout routine on these Instagram posts:
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For more information about “One Piece,” visit Netflix
