How Jude Law Built a Lean, Muscular Physique in His 50s

Jude Law might not fit the typical mould of a muscular leading man – but his physique tells a different story. Over the past two decades, the 53-year-old has bulked up, transforming his frame through consistent, disciplined training.

But while he’d prefer ‘a drink, a late night and a good meal’, Law recognises that training consistently and getting an early night benefits his on-screen performances more. It’s what has allowed him to showcase his physique in The New Pope and, more recently, in Eden.

Feeling His Best

‘It’s fun to be on set, feeling your best and being ahead of the game,’ Law told GQ. ‘I used the excuse of filming to work out with Lisa Twight, an amazing woman who trained a lot of the guys on 300. I also train with Johnny Silmon in London, who’s just brilliant. I needed to bulk up for Anna Christie, so I put on a stone of muscle. Johnny had me change my diet and routine. He’s thrown all sorts of things at me: yoga, rowing, boxing, running – we do a whole mixture of stuff.’

That was over a decade ago, but it doesn’t mean Law has eased off. In fact, his approach to training appears to have ramped up even further into his 40s and 50s.

Law’s Intense Programming

When preparing for his role as a British secret service agent in the 2020 film The Rhythm Section, Law worked with personal trainer Johnny Silmon to build a more military-ready physique. They officially trained five times per week, though Law often added two or three extra sessions to match the demands of the role.

‘Jude always puts a good shift in,’ Silmon told Men’s Journal. ‘For the project it wasn’t about hitting a number, it was about making him feel comfortable as an enforcer.’

His programme included eight weeks of bulking, followed by 12 weeks focused on building athleticism through sharper, more functional training – including Olympic lifts and kettlebell work. In the process, Law added between 5 and 7 pounds of muscle.

Silmon also incorporated the Indonesian martial art of pencak silat into Law’s training – a full-body fighting system featuring grappling, striking and throwing, traditionally practised for self-defence. ‘I’ve caught a punch or two from Jude, and he can really throw,’ Silmon added.

Training Like an Athlete

It’s an approach to training that first came to the fore in 2010, when Law was preparing for Repo Men. Lisa Twight trained him for the role, offering no special treatment despite his status as a high-profile actor. Instead, she placed him in a demanding environment designed for professional athletes and military personnel.

‘Jude was one of the most dedicated athletes I have ever worked with. I use the word athlete because he trained like one. Jude is a professional,’ Twight told Coach. ‘He trusted the process. He trusted me implicitly and treated the training like a job. He did everything we asked of him without question.’

How Jude Law Built a Lean, Muscular Physique in His 50s

Tags: