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Tom Ellis—known for his captivating portrayal of Lucifer Morningstar—has had a long-standing ambition to increase his muscle mass, something he openly discussed with Men’s Health. This insight offers not just a glimpse into his personal goals but also practical advice for anyone looking to enhance their physique.
In preparation for his role on Lucifer, Ellis focused on building muscle, primarily to suit the character’s aesthetic, which involved numerous shirtless scenes. “This role marked my first real transformation, allowing me to gain 20 pounds I had always wanted,” he shared.
Fast forward five years after the series finale, and Ellis’s fitness goals have evolved. While he still aims to maintain muscle, his focus has shifted towards a more athletic physique suited for his new role in CIA. “I want to achieve a balance between mass and agility,” he admits, noting his knack for dancing.
In conversation with exercise physiologist Dr. Pat Davidson and fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, Ellis expressed his desire to avoid being typecast by continuously evolving his training to meet diverse roles. He understands the importance of tailoring his physique to fit different characters and scenarios.
Ellis explains, “If the devil is going to embody a human form, he ought to appear a certain way.” For his character in CIA, looking less muscular allows him to blend into society better, which is essential for his role as an operative.
Currently, Ellis emphasizes functional training. After experiencing back injuries and a knee meniscus tear, he’s focused on scaled-back exercises like pushups and pull-ups. His current routine includes five sets of 20 pushups, and he often challenges his CIA co-star, Nick Gehlfuss, to pull-up contests. He also incorporates Pilates for core stability, aiming to strengthen his core while protecting his back.
In addition to strength workouts, Ellis appreciates the benefits of walking. His daily step goal ranges from 20,000 to 25,000 steps. “Living in New York allows me to walk everywhere, and it feels great to be back on my feet again,” he notes. He emphasizes walking’s positive impact on mental health, advocating it as one of the best forms of exercise.
For more fitness insights from Ellis, Samuel, and other experts featured in the Strong Talk podcast, don’t forget to check out all our episodes here.
Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, MS is an associate in health and fitness for Men’s Health. She has previously contributed to publications like CNN, Scientific American, Popular Science, and National Geographic. When she’s not writing, she enjoys circus arts and working toward the perfect pull-up.
Conclusion:
Tom Ellis’s journey from gaining muscle for a character to maintaining an athletic physique serves as an engaging resource for anyone striving for fitness. His approach underscores the importance of adaptability in workout routines, whether it be through strength training, functional exercises, or simply walking. Remember to find activities that you enjoy and that fit your lifestyle to make your fitness journey sustainable and enjoyable!
