by Brian Keith Compton

Created on: March 12, 2008

Once a gangly teen phenom entering the NBA, Kobe Bryant has developed an exercise regimen to make him an indomitable presence in the league. The Los Angeles Lakers guard has developed a formula for success that is not a well kept secret.

Kobe had admitted he wanted to be like Mike, who also made use of the gym to sculp one of the most fascinating forms to take flight in high tops. To emulate Michael Jordan, Bryant developed an exercise regimen known as the 666 which has shown remarkable muscle growth during his NBA maturity.

This perennial NBA all-star has bulked up since his emergence in the late 90s. Some say he added as much as 40 pounds to his frame through his workout regimen. But now that he is older, he is wiser. Bryant reportedly dropped 20 pounds coming into the 2007-08 season. It wasn't fat that he trimmed, but cutting back on training that increases muscle mass.

Numerology aside, the 666 has helped elevate Bryant to the upper echelon of greatness. Essentially, the numbers mean that he worked out six hours a day, six days a week for six months out of the year. The break down for this routine is as follows:

DAY 1 & DAY 4
Bench press
Lat pull-downs
Incline press
Military press
Abdominal crunches

DAY 2 & DAY 5
Lateral dumbbell raises
Bar dips
Tricep press-downs
Bicep curls
Abdominal crunches

DAY 3 & DAY 6
Back squats/Front squats
Leg curls
Leg extensions
Calf raises
Abdominal crunches

It is said that this six-hour daily routine includes two hours of running, two hours of basketball, and an hour of cardiovascular training, either boxing or jumping rope. That leaves just an hour for weight training. It's obvious Bryant doesn't overtrain the muscles. It might also be noted that he puts a lot of emphasis on abs, where some might shy away and do crunches every other day.

Either way, this seems to be the formula for success for one superstar who has successfully followed in the footsteps of an NBA legend. Knowing he is such a fierce competitor, it is no wonder that a routine as dedicated as this has benefited Kobe's game.

Bryant is a tenacious force on the court now with his physical toughness, and doesn't appear to succumb to injury as much as in the past. It's also been reported he sets the bar high for other players on the team. By demanding more of himself and others, it's no wonder he is bearing down on another NBA championship this season.

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