CRAFTING CROFT

It took months of training and endless plates of protein to transform former ballerina Alicia Vikander into muscle-bound action hero Lara Croft for the new Tomb Raider film.

The 29-year-old Oscar winner spent seven months working with Swedish trainer and nutritionist Magnus Lygdback, who also helped Gal Gadot and Ben Affleck get into superhero shape for Wonder Woman and Justice League.

Lygdback and his team of fitness professionals hosted a boot camp in Los Angeles recently to demonstrate Vikander’s Tomb Raider training regimen.

“Physically, anyone can train to be a superhero,” Lygdback said.

Diet is paramount, even more than physical training, he said. He directs his clients to eat every three hours and avoid sugar and “fast carbs” like white rice and flour.

“You’ll see a big change, mentally and physically, just by changing the nutrition,” he said.

Vikander’s first three months were just about diet, Lygdback said. His clean-eating plan includes lots of protein and vegetables.

Four months ahead of filming, Vikander began working daily with Lygdback for hour-long sessions incorporating martial arts, weight training and movement education to give her a greater command of her body.

“Magnus really helped me transform for the role,” she said. “And gain a sense of empowerment.”