One Punch Man Workout Challenge: How 1,000 Days of Saitama’s Routine Changed a Man’s Life

The glow of smartphone screens illuminates countless anime fans scrolling through improbable superhero feats. But when Li Shuangyong hit rock bottom – bankrupt, divorced, and drowning in debt – he didn’t just watch One Punch Man. He lived it. For 1,000 relentless days, the Shandong native transformed Saitama’s meme-worthy workout from fiction into life-altering reality, proving that absurd dedication yields extraordinary results.

How the One Punch Man Workout Transformed a Broken Man

In 2021, Li Shuangyong’s fish farming business collapsed. At 36, he faced financial ruin and a failed marriage. “I had to save myself. I could not keep living like that,” Shuangyong told Jiupai News (July 2025). Inspired by Saitama’s origin story – an ordinary man achieving invincibility through sheer discipline – he began the now-legendary routine:

• 100 push-ups
• 100 sit-ups
• 100 squats
• 10km run
  …every day without exception. Starting with ¥10 ($1.40) shoes and surviving on instant noodles and eggs, he documented his journey online as “Tangzhu.” The ritual became psychological salvation: “The pain of training distracted me from the pain in my heart,” he revealed.

The Anatomy of a Viral Discipline Revolution

Shuangyong’s commitment defied all logistical hurdles. During winter runs in -10°C weather, he wore plastic bags over decaying sneakers. When funds ran out, he collected discarded water bottles to afford eggs for protein. His consistency sparked an unlikely global support network:

• Taiwanese fans live-streamed virtual run-alongs
• Sponsors provided shoes and supplements after his story trended
• Fitness communities analyzed his form via social media clips
  By day 300, his physique mirrored Saitama’s iconic transformation. But the true victory was mental. “The routine rebuilt my self-worth,” he shared. “Each rep was a brick in a new foundation.” After 1,000 days, he’d clocked 20,000+ km and 300,000+ reps – a feat verified by Men’s Health (August 2025).

Beyond Baldness: When Fiction Inspires Global Reality

Completing the challenge in July 2024, Shuangyong’s final tribute was shaving his head like Saitama. The gesture went viral, even reaching One Punch Man creator ONE, who tweeted: “Your willpower is incredible! Congratulations.” Now debt-free and in a new relationship, Shuangyong aims for a Guinness World Record: 365 consecutive daily marathons. His philosophy? “Amplify hope without limits.” As One Punch Man Season 3 approaches (October 2025, Crunchyroll), his story exemplifies how fictional blueprints can forge real-world resilience.

Shuangyong’s journey proves the One Punch Man workout transcends anime fandom – it’s a framework for radical self-reinvention. Where Saitama sought strength, this real-life hero found redemption through 1,000 days of unwavering discipline. If a broken man can rebuild himself one push-up at a time, what limits might you challenge today?

Must Know

Q: What exactly is the One Punch Man workout?
A: It’s the daily fitness regimen followed by Saitama: 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, and a 10km run. No rest days are taken, mimicking the character’s path to superhuman strength in the anime/manga series.

Q: How long did Li Shuangyong perform this routine?
A: He completed 1,000 consecutive days from August 2021 to July 2024, covering over 20,000km and executing 300,000+ repetitions of each exercise.

Q: What were Shuangyong’s biggest challenges?
A: Extreme poverty forced him to use ¥10 shoes and minimal nutrition (mostly instant noodles and eggs). He also trained through Shandong’s harsh winters, running in temperatures as low as -10°C.

Q: Did the creator of One Punch Man acknowledge him?
A: Yes. Manga artist ONE praised Shuangyong on X/Twitter, calling his willpower “incredible” and congratulating him upon completion of the 1,000-day challenge.

Q: Is this workout safe for beginners?
A: Fitness experts caution against immediate adoption. The regimen’s extreme volume risks injury without gradual conditioning. Consult a physician and consider modified versions (e.g., reduced reps) before attempting.

Q: What’s next for Li Shuangyong?
A: He’s attempting a Guinness World Record by running a marathon daily for one year while continuing fitness advocacy. His story has inspired global training communities.