‘Off Campus’ Star Belmont Cameli Discusses His Hockey Aspirations and Fitness Journey
Belmont Cameli has always felt at home in the gym, but his latest role has taken his training to a whole new level. The actor, known for his portrayal of Garrett Graham in Amazon Prime’s hockey drama ‘Off Campus’, had to develop the physique of a college hockey player while mastering the art of skating on ice.
At 28 years old, Cameli shared with Men’s Health that he has been weightlifting for over a decade, starting back in his high school football days. However, preparing for ‘Off Campus’ required a fresh approach. He needed to gain more muscle and strength to convincingly portray the captain of the Briar University hockey team.
Taking on the role of a hockey player presented unique challenges. Cameli noted that there isn’t a single body type for hockey athletes, as the sport demands speed, power, and resilience. Rather than striving for extreme leanness, his focus was on increasing size and building a robust frame.
“As far as physique goes, my goal is not to drop down to five or six percent body fat. It’s just been to put on mass,” Cameli told Men’s Health.
For Cameli, adding muscle wasn’t solely about aesthetics. Hockey is a contact sport, and his character Garrett faces significant physical challenges during games. He aimed to ensure his body could withstand the demands of the role.
“I take hits all the time because I skate fast into the boards,” he explained. “Because sometimes I can’t stop. The more meat I have on my bones, the safer I am.”
In addition to his workouts, Cameli dedicated time to enhancing his skating abilities. As the team captain, it was essential for him to not only look the part but also to skate confidently and make the action scenes feel authentic.
The production team supported his fitness ambitions by incorporating a new gym on the ‘Off Campus’ set. Cameli mentioned that this added space provided him and his fellow cast members with more opportunities to train while filming.
“We’re going to be in there sweating and slapping a***. It’s going to be awesome,”* he said.
For his upper body training, Cameli emphasizes exercises that enhance strength in his back, chest, and arms. He shared his workout routine with Men’s Health, detailing the movements he employs to build muscle and improve his overall athletic shape.
Cameli’s ‘Off Campus’ upper body workout includes:
- Pullups — 3 sets, maximum reps
- Cable Fly — 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps
- Single-Arm Cross Cable Pressdown — 3 sets of 8 to 10 reps
- Cable Triceps Kickback — 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps
- Rope Curl — 3 sets of 8 to 10 reps
While Cameli has dedicated years to training, his preparation for ‘Off Campus’ highlights the extensive effort required to portray an athlete on screen. From building muscle to mastering hockey skills and adjusting his workouts, the actor is fully committed to his role as Garrett Graham.
As the series introduces a new generation of hockey romance fans to Prime Video, Cameli’s transformation is becoming a significant topic of discussion surrounding the show. His objective now is not only to resemble a hockey player but to skate and perform like one as well.
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