SCREEN STRENGTH

Hollywood’s leading men have never been bigger – literally. Here’s how to follow their lead and get a blockbuster body

Our expert panel picks the ten most impressive Hollywood action stars of all time – find out if you agree

There was a time, way before hi-def and widescreen, when being in shape for a film role was a rarity – something you did for a boxing biopic, maybe, or as a by-product of a former career as a carpenter (Harrison Ford) or bare-knuckle boxer (Robert Mitchum). Those days are gone. In the post-Tyler Durden, post- 300 era, a six-pack is as much a part of the actor’s arsenal as a stunt double, and barely a year goes by without an eye-popping transformation from one formerly lardy lead. But who’s the real king of the big-screen bodies? We asked a team of experts to decide, then uncovered the nutritional secrets, moves and workouts that built their physiques. And… action!

THE EXPERTS

To make our selection, we consulted an array of body transformation specialists, coaches, trainers and film buffs. Our panel were asked to consider both form and function, so stuntwork, athletic credentials and aesthetics all count. Disagree with them – we dare you.

Nick Mitchell

is one of the world’s foremost body transformation coaches, a best-selling author and the owner of seven UP Fitness gyms around the globe.

Richard Tidmarsh

is the owner and lead trainer of Reach Fitness London, where he trains UFC fighters, rugby stars and footballers with lung-sapping metabolic conditioning and strength circuits.

Andy McKenzie

is a bodyweight exercise specialist and former army PT known as ‘Iron Mac’ who has worked with the likes of polar adventurer Ben Saunders.

Andy McTaggart

is the health and fitness manager of Fitness First’s flagship gym in central London, a CrossFit competitor and conditioning specialist.

Richard Jordan

is the associate editor of Total Film magazine, an occasional gym-goer and an enthusiastic consumer of all things Marvel Universe-related.