14 DAY TRIAL // Actor Matthew McConaughey has often made headlines for his dedication to working out and keeping in the most enviable physical shape, as well as for his love of doing so without a shirt. Women love him, men love to see him work out, it has often been said, which is why trainer Gunnar Peterson, C.S.C.S., who has worked with the star is now revealing his secrets in a new Men’s Health interview.
Matthew looks good, there’s no denying that, but that’s not only because he’s been blessed with good genes but also due to the aforementioned dedication for working out. For the past couple of years, not a single day goes by without Matthew being seen outdoors doing some sort of exercise, be it jogging with his dog, doing yoga on the beach, surfing or swimming, or simply hiking.
The secret to his awesome body is, as Peterson reveals in the interview with the mag, that he always keeps changing routines so that they have the best results. This way, he doesn’t grow tired of doing the same exercise over and over again either, while also maximizing the benefits. As per Peterson, he has learned this tip from the trainer himself, with whom he worked for about 10 months training for a movie role that required him to be in excellent physical shape.
“You’re bored with that 30-minute treadmill routine, right? Well, so’s your body, which means you’ve probably stopped getting results. You just need some vitamin A – for adrenaline. Add variety to your workout to make you stronger, more agile, and better prepared for any challenge. When I worked with Matthew McConaughey for 10 months, the goal was to make him move like action hero Dirk Pitt. He gained strength and improved his flexibility, agility, and endurance – everything you need to survive, and benefit from, an adventure. 5-Days-a-Week.” Peterson says.
By alternating routines and switching between them, there’s literally no chance of becoming bored with working out, while the muscles will continue to show the same progress as before, the trainer assures us. If it has worked for Matthew, then there’s no reason why it shouldn’t work for all the other men looking to become fit again as well, Peterson adds.
“The training plan here can do the same for you. Alternate between workouts A and B with cardio or sport days between, so that you’re doing each workout three times over the course of 2 weeks. […] For the cardio/sport days, play a sport or do any cardiovascular activity. Vary the intensity so you do 30 minutes 1 day, 45 the next, and so on. But don’t always hop on a stationary bike and nod off. Try 4 minutes on a rowing machine, 5 on a bike, 6 on a treadmill. Then do 6 minutes, 5, and 4 on three other machines.” the trainer further explains.
For more tips on how to get a body like Matthew McConaughey’s in just 8 weeks, as well as for more details on how to make your workout more effective, see here.