7 celebrities famous for calisthenics training

Lots of actors and celebrities have embraced calisthenics as a way to get in shape. It’s easy to see why the world’s busiest people choose calisthenics – it’s versatile, fits into a busy schedule, and builds the kind of balanced athleticism that supports life in the public eye. Let’s look at some of the best-known people who have famously embraced calisthenics and bodyweight training.

Bruce Lee: the martial arts legend

No discussion about calisthenics in celebrity circles would be complete without Bruce Lee. Known for his martial arts prowess and the explosive power he displayed in films like Enter the Dragon, Bruce Lee's training regime was rooted in calisthenics. He believed in the importance of mastering bodyweight before freeweights, and regularly did push-ups, dips, and dynamic drills in his daily routine. His incredible strength-to-weight ratio allowed him to perform feats like the iconic one-inch punch.

Chris Hemsworth: the modern-day Norse god 

Chris Hemsworth, perhaps best known for playing Thor, isn’t just swinging Mjölnir around on screen. Off-screen, he incorporates calisthenics in his training routine to maintain that impressive rig. Hemsworth's workouts (which he often shared with fans via his fitness app) include pull-ups, push-ups, box jumps, and planks. This focus on bodyweight exercises helps him maintain agility and explosive power, which are crucial for larger-than-life action sequences.

Jason Statham: the unstoppable action star

Jason Statham is known for his intense and varied fitness routines. A former diver, Statham appreciates the core strength and agility that calisthenics training provides. His workouts often feature human flags, muscle-ups, and other advanced calisthenics exercises that build superior strength, explosive power, and functional fitness that he’ll need for stunts and fight scenes.

Gal Gadot: the Amazonian warrior

Gal Gadot, famous for playing Wonder Woman, is another big-screen star who incorporates calisthenics into her training routine. Preparing for the physically demanding role of an Amazonian warrior meant building strength and agility, which she achieved through a routine that included bodyweight exercises. Gadot's workouts often include variations of push-ups, pull-ups, and planks, focusing on core stability and overall endurance. Her calisthenics training not only helped her prepare for action-packed scenes but also contributed to her athletic physique which was central to the image of the role.

Ryan Gosling: the heartthrob with strength

Ryan Gosling has more of a lean, athletic build than Jason Statham or Chris Hemsworth - a great example of how bodyweight training can help with the necessary conditioning for physically demanding roles, whilst maintaining a balanced physique. He uses basic calisthenics exercises like bodyweight squats, lunges, and pull-ups to maintain muscular endurance and strength.

Madonna: the pop powerhouse

Madonna has been at the forefront of the music world for decades, and her fitness routine has sometimes gained as much coverage as her tunes. The Queen of Pop uses calisthenics for functional strength and a toned physique. Her routine includes exercises like lunges, squats, and core workouts, often done with the rhythm and precision of her choreographed routines. Madonna’s use of calisthenics shows how well it can complement other physical commitments like dance and high energy tour performances.

Herschel Walker: the all-round athlete

Former NFL running back and MMA fighter Herschel Walker is famed for his immense strength and unique training style. He’s known for using bodyweight workouts rather than traditional weights to build muscle and strength, including (apparently) an incredible number of push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups every day. This routine has helped him stay in phenomenal shape well into his 60s, proving that calisthenics has no age limit.

Embrace the calisthenics lifestyle for yourself 

We love calisthenics regardless of who does it – we’re not saying we need celebs to endorse it. But it’s interesting how many famous people who are known for their athleticism, long-term health, or physique do calisthenics. It says a lot about how versatile this style of training is, and how it can grow with you as the demands of life change.

Who’s your favourite calisthenics-loving celeb? Who have we missed in this little list? Let us know – join the conversation over on our socials.