Recently, Hugh Jackman showcased remarkable endurance by completing a 5,000-meter rowing challenge in just 18:31.5 at the age of 57. He shared this impressive feat on his Instagram, admitting he felt a bit anxious before the attempt. Given the intensity of the 5k row, his feelings of nerves are not surprising.
Jackman’s time places him in the top 2% of men in his age group when compared to other rowing performance data, which typically records 5k times between 15 and 25 minutes.
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<h2 title="The Average 5,000m Rowing Time for Men" data-anchor-id="the-average-5000m-rowing-time-for-men" class="body-h2 css-1gywm4a emt9r7s1">The Average 5,000m Rowing Time for Men</h2>
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According to <a href="https://rowinglevel.com/rowing-times/5000m-times" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://rowinglevel.com/rowing-times/5000m-times" data-vars-ga-ux-element="Hyperlink" data-vars-ga-call-to-action="Rowing Level" data-node-id="16.1" class="body-link css-1d8p8n5 emevuu60">Rowing Level</a>, the average 5,000-meter rowing time for men across all ages is 19:18.3. The current fastest recorded time for this distance is 14:54.5, which shows just how elite Jackman’s performance is.
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Unlike the more straightforward <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/uk/fitness/cardio-exercise/a70199024/average-2000m-row-time-men/" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://www.menshealth.com/uk/fitness/cardio-exercise/a70199024/average-2000m-row-time-men/" data-vars-ga-ux-element="Hyperlink" data-vars-ga-call-to-action="2,000-metre row" data-node-id="23.1" class="body-link css-1d8p8n5 emevuu60">2,000-meter row</a>, the 5k distance presents a unique challenge. It requires not only power but also stamina, making it a tough yet rewarding endeavor. Jackman relies heavily on indoor rowing for his fitness, especially while preparing for demanding film roles.
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His trainer, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bethlewisfit/" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://www.instagram.com/bethlewisfit/" data-vars-ga-ux-element="Hyperlink" data-vars-ga-call-to-action="Beth Lewis" data-node-id="27.1" class="body-link css-1d8p8n5 emevuu60">Beth Lewis</a>, noted that Jackman's <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/uk/fitness/a61956934/hugh-jackman-vo2-max/" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://www.menshealth.com/uk/fitness/a61956934/hugh-jackman-vo2-max/" data-vars-ga-ux-element="Hyperlink" data-vars-ga-call-to-action="VO2 max" data-node-id="27.3" class="body-link css-1d8p8n5 emevuu60">VO2 max</a> – a measure of his aerobic fitness – is quite impressive. While preparing for the filming of <em data-node-id="27.5">Deadpool 3</em>, he achieved a VO2 max of 59 mL/min/kg.
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Following his rigorous training regimen, Jackman’s recent VO2 max reading has reached 64.3 mL/min/kg, reflecting the benefits of consistent effort and dedication.
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While few will aim to achieve Jackman’s level of fitness, his recent rowing performance provides a valuable benchmark. If you’re interested in taking on the 5k rowing challenge, consider focusing on:
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<li data-node-id="37.0">Maintaining consistent split times</li>
<li data-node-id="37.1">Pacing yourself evenly throughout the distance</li>
<li data-node-id="37.2">Finishing strongly to maximize performance</li>
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Jackman's impressive performance serves as a reminder that strong aerobic capacity is achievable at any age and can be enhanced with dedication and focused training.
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<p>Kate Neudecker is a fitness writer for <em>Men’s Health UK</em>, contributing regular workouts, training tips, and nutrition guidelines. She holds a postgraduate diploma in Sports Performance Nutrition and has extensive experience as a nutritionist, fitness writer, and personal trainer. When not coaching, Kate enjoys volunteering at animal shelters and lifting weights in her garden.</p>
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</div>Introduction
In today’s fitness culture, age is just a number, as demonstrated by Hugh Jackman’s impressive performance in a 5,000-meter rowing challenge at 57. Jackman’s dedication to fitness illustrates that persistence and proper training can lead to extraordinary results, regardless of age. This article delves into his rowing achievement and provides practical advice for anyone interested in improving their own stamina and performance.
Conclusion
Hugh Jackman’s recent rowing accomplishment confirms that serious aerobic fitness is attainable and can even improve with dedicated training. While not everyone will aim to match his numbers, the principles of pacing, consistency, and strength training apply to all levels of fitness. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, consider setting a 5k rowing challenge and implementing the tips provided to see improvements in your performance. With commitment and the right approach, you can achieve your fitness goals.
