## Hollywood Stars Embrace Intense Physical Transformations for New Roles
Actors Matt Damon and Ralph Fiennes have recently demonstrated extraordinary dedication to physical fitness, undergoing significant transformations in preparation for their respective roles.
Both actors are committed to dramatic changes in physique, pushing themselves through rigorous training regimes. Fiennes, 62, is starring in director Uberto Pasolini’s “The Return” and Damon, 54, is currently filming “The Odyssey.”
Ralph Fiennes: Defying Age with a Disciplined Approach
Fiennes’ journey to achieving a sculpted physique for his portrayal of Odysseus showcases an inspiring commitment to fitness at any age. His trainer, Dan Avasilcai, detailed the demanding schedule the actor undertook:
- Early Starts: Training began at 5:30 a.m., six days a week.
- Core Workouts: Weight training was followed by running and, on occasion, ballet.
- The Vision: Fiennes described wanting to embody the physique of a “hero in exile,” aiming for a “ropey” appearance—like weathered rope.
Just 2½ months before filming commenced, Fiennes’ regimen resulted in a remarkable weight loss of nearly 16 pounds, bringing him down to 160 pounds by the first day on set.
“At that age, injury prevention is everything,” Avasilcai emphasized. “You can’t train a 60-year-old like you would a 20-year-old.”
His routine also included:
- Running: Six days a week
- Ballet: Once a week for posture
- Massage Therapy: Daily sessions
Avasilcai further explained that Fiennes’ diet consisted of “high protein, moderate fats and low carbs” with carefully controlled portions. He even occasionally indulged in Italian gelato, while also resorting to dehydration tactics—skipping water the night before shirtless scenes for a more defined look – though he stressed this was not sustainable.
The results were striking: “He feels great,” Avasilcai shared. “He has more energy, no joint pain and he’s stronger than ever. He can do 17 pull-ups, 78 press-ups in a row and he’s bench-pressing 65 kilograms (143 pounds). At 62, that is incredible.”
The actor, known for his role as Lord Voldemort in the “Harry Potter” series, recently shared photos showcasing his transformation, earning widespread praise from fans who playfully referenced his iconic character with nicknames like “Swoldemort.”
Matt Damon: Pushing Boundaries and Earning Teasing Praise
Damon’s dedication to his role is equally impressive. Although details about his specific training plan are limited, he has previously worked with trainer Jason Walsh, who noted the actor’s love for challenges.
- Pull-Up Power: They progressed to performing 100 pull-ups multiple times per week.
- Strategic Avoidance: Certain exercises like barbell back squats and heavy deadlifts were avoided to minimize injury risk.
“My biggest worry was him breaking,” Walsh confessed, acknowledging the pressure of training a major star for a high-budget film.
Recently, longtime friend Ben Affleck playfully teased Damon about his newfound physique while on “Today,” quipping, “First time Matt’s got into shape in his life, rips his shirt off.” Affleck continued with good humor, “He’s like, ‘Who can I show this off too?!’ And I was like, ‘You want to just hold back a little’ … There’s no shirtless scene.”
Damon is currently filming “The Odyssey” in Favignana, Italy. A photo circulating online showcases his physique—a rugged look featuring abs and a gray beard adorned with debris while wearing only a cloth around his waist.
