Beyond bodybuilding
Chris Hemsworth, the Australian actor who is known worldwide for portraying Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, did more than just build a superhero body for the Thor movies.
Hemsworth has been instrumental in popularizing a type of training known as functional fitness, which focuses on strength, mobility, endurance, balance and movement used in the real world. In an interview that was published in 2023 by Men’s Health, he said he was “gradually” moving away from “regular bodybuilding.”
Image credit: Instagram/@chrishemsworth
Functional movements
He had started doing “a lot less heavy weight sessions” and was incorporating sprint work and more functional movements into his routine. There was something more that he needed than simply looking strong on screen. It was about becoming more athletic and capable in regular life.
Image credit: Instagram/@chrishemsworth
Bringing functional training into the mainstream
Speaking about functional training, it was not only Hemsworth but also his trainers who helped bring this style of training into mainstream culture. The platform, Centr, regularly features sled pushes, carries, bodyweight movements, kettlebell training, mobility drills, and high-intensity circuits. These types of exercises do not focus solely on individual muscles but also help improve real-life performance. The platform even includes specialized programmes such as the “Functional Movement Challenge,” designed to improve strength, stability, mobility, and energy levels.
Image credit: Instagram/@chrishemsworth
A shift towards longevity
Image credit: Instagram/@chrishemsworth
Influence on the modern fitness industry
The impact of this philosophy on wellness, health, and fitness can be seen across social media platforms and throughout the modern fitness industry. Business Insider writes, “With an intensive training schedule, Hemsworth has always prioritized recovery, even jumping into an ice bath after a workout.”
At the same time, he focuses on slowing down after training with guided meditation through the Centr app. Hemsworth has promoted functional fitness through interviews, films, and his global reach, appealing to a mainstream audience that once associated fitness primarily with bodybuilding and aesthetics.
Image credit: Instagram/@chrishemsworth
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