Max Greenfield is a busy guy. You probably know him as the hyper-intense, Kimono-wearing Schmidt from New Girl, or maybe you’ve caught him as the well-meaning Dave Johnson on The Neighborhood. But for a specific corner of the internet, the fascination isn't just about his comedic timing. It’s about the "douchebag jar" moments. Specifically, the ones where the shirt comes off.
It’s kinda funny. Max isn’t your typical "action hero" build. He doesn't have the massive, boulder-sized shoulders of a Marvel Chris. Yet, whenever a Max Greenfield shirtless scene pops up—and they popped up a lot during the New Girl years—people notice. Why? Because he’s lean. Like, "did he just step out of a CrossFit box?" lean.
Honestly, that’s because he probably did.
The CrossFit Obsession is Real
If you want to understand how Max Greenfield stays in "on-camera shape," you have to talk about CrossFit. He didn't just pick it up for a role; he’s a legitimate fanatic. We’re talking about a guy who has literally competed in the CrossFit Open.
He started back in 2010. His wife had just given birth to their daughter, and he needed a one-hour escape. Most people go for a jog. Max went to CrossFit Hollywood and got his butt kicked. He’s gone on record saying that first week was brutal. He couldn’t even do a single pull-up. He thought he was going to die during an 800-meter run.
But he stuck with it. Eventually, he was hitting muscle-ups and posting respectable scores. On the set of New Girl, the crew knew. If a script called for a shirtless scene, Max was heading straight to the "box" (that’s CrossFit-speak for a gym) to make sure everything was tight.
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He even uses the gym on the Fox lot. He’s been caught doing handstand push-ups against the wall next to the trainer’s office. The trainers there reportedly call him "the guy who does weird stuff."
It’s Not Just About the Abs
There’s a misconception that actors just wake up with six-packs. Max is the first to tell you that’s a lie. He once joked that he isn't one of those guys who just "woke up" with a defined stomach. He likes Skittles. He likes pizza.
To get that shredded look for TV, he has to work like a madman. It’s a grind.
But things changed a bit as he moved into his 40s. Recently, he’s been more open about the mental side of fitness. On The Neighborhood, you might have noticed he looks a bit different than the wiry Schmidt of 2012. He actually went through a transformation where he dropped about 30 lbs, going from 210 lbs down to 180 lbs.
The interesting part? It wasn’t about vanity.
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- The Goal: He just wanted to feel better.
- The Method: No trendy, "miracle" diets.
- The Secret: Small, sustainable steps.
He moved away from the "push to the extreme" mentality and focused on longevity. Yoga. Cardio. Weight training that didn't leave him feeling like he’d been hit by a truck. He stopped obsessing over the scale and started focusing on whether he had the energy to keep up with his kids.
That Shocking Versace Transformation
If you really want to see the range of Max’s physical commitment, look at The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. He played Ronnie, a man living with HIV in the late 90s.
He looked emaciated. Bones were protruding. People were genuinely worried about him.
But here’s the kicker: Max says he wasn’t even "actively" trying to lose weight for that role. He was already pretty lean, and the combination of hair, makeup, and a very sad mustache did most of the heavy lifting. He focused more on the emotional weight of the character—the idea of a man who had accepted his death only to be given a second chance by new medication. It’s a stark contrast to the "Schmidt" energy we usually see.
Dealing with the "Fat Schmidt" Legacy
We can't talk about Max Greenfield's physique without mentioning "Fat Schmidt." The show used heavy prosthetics to show Schmidt’s backstory as an overweight college kid.
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Max has often said that "Fat Schmidt" was actually more lovable. There’s a psychological layer there. Schmidt’s obsession with being fit—the "New Girl" shirtless scenes, the grooming, the constant gym talk—it all stems from his insecurity about his past. Max plays that nuance perfectly. He knows that the "perfect" body is often just a shield for a very vulnerable person.
The Reality of Maintenance
So, how does he actually do it day-to-day?
- Morning Calls: Sometimes set call times are as early as 5 a.m. If he wants to train, he has to be disciplined.
- Community: He credits the CrossFit community for keeping him motivated. It’s harder to quit when people are watching.
- Balance: He’s had "zero percent paleo" weekends. He’s a human being who likes a treat.
Moving Forward with Your Own Goals
Max Greenfield’s approach to his body is actually pretty relatable once you strip away the Hollywood lighting. He’s a dad who struggles with his schedule but prioritizes movement because it makes him a better person.
If you're looking to get into "Schmidt shape," don't look for a shortcut. Max didn't. He spent a decade in the gym, learned how to do pull-ups from scratch, and eventually learned that being "skinny" isn't as important as being healthy.
Next Steps for Your Own Routine:
- Audit your "why": Are you working out to look good shirtless, or to feel capable in your daily life? Max found more success when he switched to the latter.
- Find your "box": Whether it's a CrossFit gym, a yoga studio, or a running club, find a community. It’s the "secret sauce" Max uses to stay consistent.
- Start small: Don't try to lose 30 lbs in a month. Focus on whole foods and moving for 30 minutes a day.
- Ignore the scale: Focus on "non-scale victories," like having more energy for your family or finally hitting that first pull-up.
Max Greenfield proves that you can be the "funny guy" and still be an absolute beast in the gym. It just takes a lot of sweat, a little bit of discipline, and the willingness to look "weird" doing handstand push-ups in the office hallway.