Chris Hemsworth is widely known for his incredible physique, but when it came to preparing for Extraction 2, the sequel to his 2020 Netflix action hit, he needed to take his fitness to a whole new level. Despite his fitness-focused Instagram feed, Chris Hemsworth revealed that he had to make some significant changes to his workout routine in order to meet the demands of his role as Tyler Rake, a relentless mercenary.
Transitioning from Thor to Tyler Rake
After his intense bodybuilding and sculpting workouts for Thor: Love and Thunder, Chris Hemsworth realized that he needed a different approach for Extraction 2. In an interview with Yahoo Entertainment, he explained,
“I’d just come off the back of Thor, where a lot of my workouts were bodybuilding, aesthetic sculpting, and body shaping.”
However, playing Tyler Rake required a shift in focus towards athleticism and physical stamina, allowing him to keep up with the demanding long takes and intense fight scenes planned by director Sam Hargrave.
Chris Hemsworth’s Workout: Cardio, Functionality, and Flexibility
To prepare for the physically demanding role, Chris Hemsworth incorporated more cardio training into his routine. He focused on improving his overall functionality, movement, and flexibility. The goal was to enhance his endurance and ensure that he could sustain the rigorous shooting schedule, which often involved 12 to 14-hour days along with rehearsals during off-hours and weekends. Hemsworth’s dedication extended beyond the gym, as he immersed himself in the rehearsal and stunt choreography to deliver an authentic performance.
Chris Hemsworth’s transformation for Extraction 2 showcases his versatility as an actor
Cardiovascular Training: Hemsworth incorporated a significant amount of cardio exercises into his routine. Cardiovascular fitness was a key component in preparing for the physically demanding action sequences and long takes required for the film. Engaging in activities such as running, cycling, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) helped enhance his endurance and overall cardiovascular health.
Functional and Movement Training: Unlike his previous workouts focused on aesthetics, Hemsworth shifted his training towards functionality and movement. This type of training emphasizes exercises that mimic real-life movements, improving agility, coordination, and overall body control. Functional training included exercises like bodyweight movements, kettlebell exercises, and agility drills to enhance his ability to perform complex fight choreography and stunts.
Flexibility and Mobility Work: Chris Hemsworth understood the importance of being flexible and maintaining optimal joint mobility to execute the intense physical demands of the role. He incorporated regular stretching routines, yoga sessions, and mobility exercises into his training regimen. These practices helped improve his range of motion, prevent injuries, and ensure fluid movements during fight sequences.
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): To further challenge his cardiovascular fitness and enhance fat burning, Hemsworth included HIIT workouts in his training routine. HIIT involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by short rest periods. This type of training not only improves cardiovascular conditioning but also helps promote lean muscle growth and fat loss.
Immersion in Stunt Choreography: Hemsworth’s dedication extended beyond the gym. He actively participated in rehearsal and stunt choreography sessions to immerse himself in the character and ensure the seamless execution of fight scenes. This hands-on approach allowed him to synchronize his physical training with the practical demands of the role, resulting in a convincing portrayal of Tyler Rake.
Chris Hemsworth’s transformation for Extraction 2 showcases his commitment to embodying different characters. His shift from aesthetic sculpting to building stamina demonstrates his dedication to delivering authentic performances. The intense 21-minute action sequence and emotional moments in the film have resonated with audiences, leaving them eager for more from this gripping franchise.
Leave a Reply