Chris Hemsworth’s wife Elsa Pataky sparks online debate with new exercise video on a boat

Chris Hemsworth and his wife, Elsa Pataky, are known for their health and fitness-focused lifestyle.

But the Spanish actress and model’s latest workout video has sparked an online debate over whether she is promoting a health regime some have labelled “unachievable”.

Pataky, 50, recently shared a video of herself exercising on a boat, dressed in a bikini and sun hat. In the clip, she performs a series of exercises using a foam roller and fitness band.

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“You don’t need a gym. You don’t need perfect conditions. You just need to start,” she captioned the video.

“No excuses. Just move.”

Chris Hemsworth’s wife Elsa Pataky sparks online debate with new exercise video on a boat. Credit: Instagram

The post has received more than 80,000 likes on Instagram, with many followers praising Pataky as an “inspiration” and thanking her for sharing her fitness tips.

But others took issue with the message behind the post, arguing not everyone has the time, money or circumstances to prioritise their health and fitness in the same way.

While Pataky’s point was exercise can be done almost anywhere, critics said the message overlooked the realities of people who are juggling work, family and financial pressures.

“No gym just a €1M yacht, private chef and lots of free time,” one Instagram user commented.

Others, however, came to Pataky’s defence, arguing her level of fitness is also the result of years of discipline and hard work.

“Of course having help and money to pay for help gives you the luxury of time and with that the ability to invest in yourself. But this lady has worked hard to look this way and that is undeniable,” one person wrote.

Pataky and her Australian actor husband, Hemsworth, regularly share their demanding fitness routines on social media.

Pataky has also turned her passion for health and exercise into a career, releasing the fitness and lifestyle book Strong: How to Eat, Move and Live with Strength and Vitality.

The book features high-intensity exercise circuits requiring minimal equipment, along with simple nutrition advice and tips for staying motivated.

Hemsworth founded the digital health, fitness and wellness subscription program Centr.

For Pataky, staying active is about more than appearance.

“If I’m not exercising, I don’t feel strong. I feel soft and I don’t like it,” she previously told Body And Soul.

“I am a very active person. I want my body to stay young — in strength and energy. I want to still go horse riding with my daughter when I’m 80!”

Pataky, who lives in Byron Bay with Hemsworth and their three children, has previously said the couple first bonded over their shared love of an active lifestyle.

Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky with two of their children, twins Tristan and Sasha. Credit: Getty

“Chris and I love to do sports, eat healthy and move our bodies,” she said.

“We’ve got the kids into surfing.

“Any hobbies to get them outside, and not on social media and computers. My daughter has been horse riding with me since she was two-and-a-half.”