Sydney Sweeney detailed the rigorous process of gaining 35 pounds to portray boxer Christy Martin in an upcoming biopic. Speaking on Sirius XM on October 29, Sweeney described how this transformation was both a physical and emotional challenge, reflecting the depth of Christy’s life story. The actress had roughly two and a half months to prepare and admitted the physical changes were considerable.
Diet and Training Behind Sydney Sweeney’s Weight Gain
To achieve the required weight gain, Sweeney explained she ate everything in sight during this period. She humorously referred to herself as “My smuckers” on set due to her frequent consumption of Uncrustables sandwiches. Along with a high-calorie diet, protein shakes played a major role, although she admitted she was not fond of them and often had to “plug my nose and down” the shakes. Additionally, egg whites and chicken were staples in her diet as part of her preparation.
Physical Changes and New Challenges in Boxing Training
The actress, familiar with jiu-jitsu, grappling, and kickboxing from her teenage years, had to adjust to the distinct demands of boxing. She noted the importance of maintaining a boxing stance and staying upright, which differed from previous combat sports she trained in. She also highlighted how different her body became—none of her clothes fit, and she had to wear jeans four sizes larger than usual, alongside noticeable changes in other areas of her physique.
Strong Connection with Christy Martin During Preparation
Sweeney stressed how important Christy Martin’s story is, calling her an inspiring underdog who changed the landscape for women in sports and boxing. She described their close working relationship during filming, emphasizing how Martin supported her by offering valuable advice on fighting techniques. This collaboration helped Sweeney embody the role with great care and authenticity.
Reflection on the Experience and Upcoming Film Release
The actress expressed immense pride in her physical and emotional journey, stating she felt incredibly strong and powerful throughout the transformation. She described the experience as her “dream”—losing herself to fully become someone else. The biopic “Christy,” which details Martin’s groundbreaking career and resilience, is set to premiere in theaters on November 7, anticipating a significant impact on audiences interested in sports and inspirational stories.
“The emotional toll of the span of [Christy’s] lifetime, there’s a lot of growth, and a lot of pain and a lot of understanding.”
– Sydney Sweeney, Actress
“The physical change that I also undertook was a lot.”
– Sydney Sweeney, Actress
“About two and a half months to train leading up to it and [she] put on 35 pounds.”
– Sydney Sweeney, Actress
“It was a lot of prep,”
she noted. “I was eating everything.” – Sydney Sweeney, Actress
“My smuckers! That was my nickname on set because I ate so many [Uncrustables].”
– Sydney Sweeney, Actress
“I would just plug my nose and down them. Ugh, it was a lot.”
– Sydney Sweeney, Actress
“Christy’s story is beyond important to tell. She is inspiring and an ultimate underdog. She completely changed the way that women in sports and boxing have gone on in time past her.”
– Sydney Sweeney, Actress
“I knew that every single detail that was going to go into this, every choice that I made, was going to be an important one. Having Christy by my side during it was the biggest gift I could have asked for.”
– Sydney Sweeney, Actress
“I always felt like I could turn to her for everything. She gave me some really great pointers when we were fighting. She would yell at me different swings I needed to do.”
– Sydney Sweeney, Actress
“I loved it. Being able to lose myself to become a vessel for somebody else is my dream.”
– Sydney Sweeney, Actress
“You square up differently, and, of course, you don’t get brought to the ground—everything’s on your feet.”
– Sydney Sweeney, Actress
“I didn’t fit in any of my clothes.”
– Sydney Sweeney, Actress
“’m usually a size 23 in jeans, and I was wearing a size 27. My boobs got bigger. And my butt got huge. It was crazy! I was like, ‘Oh, my God,’”
– Sydney Sweeney, Actress
“I was so strong, like, crazy strong.”
– Sydney Sweeney, Actress
