Clifford Smith Jr. — better known to the world as Method Man, the iconic rapper and founding member of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan — is proving that his grind extends far beyond the recording studio. While he’s still active in music, the 51-year-old artist has clearly developed another passion: building serious strength.
On December 3, 2022, Method Man shared a gym clip showing him dominating a 10-rep set of incline dumbbell presses with 120-pound weights in each hand. Dressed for performance, he wore elbow sleeves and wrist wraps to stay stable through the heavy chest work. Each rep was clean and controlled, hitting a shoulder-friendly 90-degree bend at the elbows.
Although Smith hasn’t detailed specific fitness goals, his recent progress shows an athlete focused on steady improvement. In November 2022, he crushed a 500-pound (227.3 kg) deadlift PR, following up on a 495-pound pull from just weeks earlier. A few months before that, he hit a 315-pound bench press for five reps, and has been seen working through lat pulldowns and accessory lifts to keep his physique balanced and strong.
Beyond the gym, Method Man remains creatively active. He recently appeared on Vinnie Paz’s solo album Tortured in the Name of God’s Unconditional Love, dropping a hard-hitting verse on the track “Invisible Ether” — proof that he’s still sharp both lyrically and physically.
Judging by his social media feed, Method Man has turned fitness into a core part of his lifestyle. Between music promotions, his Instagram often showcases glimpses of his training — a mix of heavy lifts, consistency, and discipline.
If Wu-Tang is for the children, then Method Man is showing that iron is for the grown-ups — and he’s setting a new bar for what staying strong in your 50s can look like.
