Jake Gyllenhaal's Abs Didn't Come Easily, Says Trainer

By Amber James Posted May 29th 2010 05:02PM

Beefing up for a role definitely gets Hollywood talking -- just ask Jake Gyllenhaal, who had to turn into a hulk-like warrior for his role in 'Prince of Persia.' In an interview with Moviefone, he admitted that putting on all that muscle wasn't that big of a deal. "There was nothing hard about it, man, I was paid to get in shape," he said. Easier said than done, Mr. Gyllenhaal.

But were rigorous training and a strict diet the only factors contributing to his new washboard abs? Gyllenhaal's trainer, Simon Waterson, spoke with PopEater to reveal how the doe-eyed actor transformed his body in less than four months.

Gyllenhaal's 'Prince of Persia' trainer is a former Royal Marine who has helped other A-list actors -- including Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig for the 'James Bond' films -- bulk up for movie roles. But turning Gyllenhaal into a hulking warrior took a lot of mental and physical stamina; Waterson admits the average person would have to be "extremely dedicated" to achieve similar results.

Jake Gyllenhaal's 'Prince of Persia' Regimen

► Pre-workout Snack: Half a banana, some nuts and an espresso.

► Morning Workout: An hour-and-a-half cardio workout while wearing a 20 lb. flak jacket to simulate the weight of armor. Interval training (10 minute uphill sprint, followed by abs exercises). Repeat sequence five times, then a 10 minute run, followed by stretching.

► Breakfast: An egg-white omelet, a small protein shake and an isotonic drink to replenish salts lost during training.

► Lunch: Baked potato with tuna and salad.

► Evening Workout: An hour of resistance training using cables to simulate sword fights; pull-ups, press-ups, abs exercises using weights; finish with stretching.

► Dinner: Soup and a protein shake

► Snacks/supplements: Two liters of water, protein bars, dark chocolate, supplements rich in omega-3, 6 and 9. No foods containing refined sugar, occasional glass of wine allowed.

(Source: Simon Waterson)

In the early morning, Gyllenhaal would put on a 20-pound flak jacket and run around a park and in the sand -- simulating scenes he would be filming in Morocco for 'Persia.' He'd then head off to script readings and sword fight training before returning in the evening to start his second round of exercise, resistance training. The actor would eat six times a day -- three meals and three snacks, each of which contained a lot of protein, electrolytes and carbohydrates.

"He had the luxury of having me around 24/7 for almost a year and even while he was filming," Waterson says. "I made sure he trained when he need to train. He was fed when he needed to be fed. And rested when he needed to rest. You have to bear in mind, this was an intensive four months of training. He was living an athlete's life."

Waterson admits anyone could get Gyllenhaal's shape, but should go about it in a less-intensive way. "The average person isn't going to be climbing walls and running through sand wearing a suit of armor. Jake had to be conditioned in a way of being capable of doing those things while cameras were rolling hours a day on set," he said, adding that his focus was to get the actor in such great shape that he could withstand the rigorous stunts and months of filming without getting injured.

Get 'Prince of Persia' info/showtimes/tickets here!

Waterson says the average person should consult with a personal trainer and make sure their body can endure the process before tackling Jake's 'Persia' regimen. He adds the most people probably "don't have the time" to commit the same way Gyllenhaal did, and advises people looking to get in shape fast to do hard cardio workouts one day and resistance training the next day.

Even at his peak, Gyllenhaal had a few moments of weakness, like anyone else. "Like anybody, you always have a little bit of self doubt," Waterson said. He did every exercise with Gyllenhaal. Set for set, rep for rep and mile for mile, he helped push the actor -- even when there were intense moments of throwing in the towel.

"He was 110 percent committed. And I think I trained him too well, because he was a lot fitter than me by the end of it," Waterson jokes. "I have to give Jake a lot of the credit. Yes, I was his trainer, but for this part, he was very disciplined. I have a massive respect for him because at the end of the day, he is an actor and very committed to being the best."

While Waterson couldn't be prouder of Gyllenhaal, he has moved on to his new project -- another A-list celebrity, whom he wouldn't reveal, but said would be bulking up over the few months. "You'll have to wait and see, but I think people will be extremely surprised when they see how much muscle this guy has now," he reveals.

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Tags: jake gyllenhaal, Prince of Persia

Comments

(18)

Saturday 29 May

By Candy

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I've been in love with him since "Broke Back Mountain"...what a hunk!

By Reena

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I always thought he was cute, but that new body makes him very sexy! I couldn't believe it was him at first.
I think in this pic, he kinda looks like Tarazan :)

By patty

HE SIZZLES NOW

By heather

damn!!! he is smoking hot! eat your heart out reese...

By Vanna

Reese? What Reese has to do with anything?

Witherspoon was just a berad in lame "Reese and Jake" showmance.

By Roeg

You have to bare in mind, this was an intensive...

'bare'? spell much guys?

By Jeri

Yes he looks fantastic but I also have a lot of respect for him as an actor. If they ever to decide to do a movie based on the series "Alias Smith and Jones", I suggest Jake to play Hannibal Hayes. I think he could do the role justice.

By Lydia

Oh, YEA!! I liked him as an actor before but when I saw him yesterday in the movie, I couldn't believe it. He went from a boy to a definitely hot, sexy MAN!!!

By Dana

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I saw his new movie yesterday. It was good and the special effects were great. He is a hottie!!

By DeeDee

out of tons of actor's to play an Arabian Prince they pick him? y not the guy from The Mummy who played the guardian of the tomb or the guy from Lost? Also from The Mummy Y not the guy who played the mummy himself? I swear....

Sunday 30 May

By Titangirl

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He is ugly... his body isn't hot, either. Sorry.

By ETTE

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This person is someone who just looks BETTER thinner. He looks just odd like this...plus that wig is awful.

By conniee

Why shouldnt he play the role they invent the equipment and have the ideas.Make your own movie.

You want are blood to.

By cheapmaket.com 33usd ed hardy gucci prada handbag t-shirt

was good and the special effects were great. He is a hottie!!

Tuesday 01 June

By magusap

hellooooo! of course he need to have a good healthy body. do you think any producer will hire him if he was fat? lets face it, its all about beautiful people in television & movie industry only few ugly fat people... why is that???

Monday 19 July

By JEAN BRADLEY

I JUST ADORE HIM. WISH YOU PUT HIM IN MORE LOVE STORIES, HE DOSENT GET THE CREDIT HE DESERVES AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED.GOT EVERY MOVIE HE EVER MADE.A VERY GOOD ACTOR.

Monday 25 July

By 3984hjo[q

ugly face, annoying voice, doesn't look remotely persian and after all those "intense" work out sessions his body looks like an out of shape ex-highschool football player. I mean jesus, he doesn't even have any muscle definition... wtf. was he cheating on his work out routine or something? oh he's also a douchebag

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