At 52, Idris Elba continues to impress with his commitment to fitness, ensuring he stays in peak physical condition despite his busy acting career. Known for his roles in *The Wire*, *Luther*, *Suicide Squad*, and a series of Marvel movies, Elba has built a career around intense, action-packed characters. His latest role in *Heads of State*, where he stars alongside John Cena as the Prime Minister of the UK and a former SAS commando, is just another example of the demanding roles he tackles with ease. To maintain his stamina for such parts, Elba follows a rigorous fitness routine that includes a combination of combat training, swimming, and strength exercises.
Elba’s workout routine is centered around combat training, particularly kickboxing, which he has practiced for over a decade. He has explained that his ultimate fitness goal is to be “fight-ready”—able to hold his own in a physical confrontation for multiple rounds. Kickboxing, which demands full-body athleticism and targets multiple muscle groups, especially the legs and core, is a crucial part of his training. When time is limited, Elba relies on shadowboxing, which works every muscle without requiring any equipment.
In addition to his combat training, Elba incorporates swimming and skipping into his routine. On weekends, he swims laps in the pool and enjoys the relaxation of a hot steam afterward. Skipping, which he claims is a highly effective workout, also figures prominently in his regimen, with just 10 minutes of the exercise providing a full-body workout. For overall fitness, Elba also does 45-minute runs, combining steady-state cardio with mobility and stretching exercises.
Elba’s five-day training routine includes kickboxing drills, strength training, running, conditioning, and swimming. On days focused on kickboxing, he incorporates footwork drills, core exercises like planks and Russian twists, and conditioning movements such as burpees and squats. His strength days consist of exercises like pull-ups, dumbbell bench presses, and Arnold presses, with a focus on building muscle and strength. To recover, Elba spends time in the sauna or does contrast therapy after swimming.
Alongside his physical training, Elba’s diet plays a crucial role in maintaining his fitness. His day starts at 5 am with a healthy breakfast that includes a multivitamin, lion’s mane for brain health, ginger shots, decaf coffee, and hard-boiled eggs. He opts for a high-protein diet, with his lunch typically consisting of eggs or chicken sausage, and avoids excessive snacking. Dinner usually features lean proteins such as chicken or fish, seasoned to his taste, while eliminating carbs from his meals. Elba also practices intermittent fasting, skipping dinner on nights when he arrives home late, instead opting for a teaspoon of honey to stave off hunger before going to sleep.
This holistic approach to health and fitness—combining intense workouts with disciplined eating habits—keeps Elba in top shape, ready to take on demanding roles and maintain his successful career.
Related Topics:
Kinneta Reveals VR Fitness Workouts to Beat Exercise Boredom
92-Year-Old Chinese Grandma Completes 200 Push-Ups 100 Sit-Ups Daily
Plant Compound in Nuts Veggies and Fruit May Lower Disease Risk
