Actor Alan Ritchson’s impressive transformation to achieve the “Jack Reacher physique” for the latest season of the show has captured attention.
The Reacher character is big—really big. The first book in the series lists him as 6 foot 5 and 250 lb.
Tom Cruise, who is reportedly about 5 foot 8, played Reacher on the big screen in 2012 and 2016, so it was noticeable when the much larger Ritchson took on the role for the TV adaptation.
According to a February 2022 New York Post article, Ritchson normally weighs 205 lb.—but he put on 30 lb. to play Reacher. In a November 2023 Instagram post, Ritchson said he’s 6 foot 3 and 240 lb.
So is that sort of transformation common?
Read on for the answer.
Hollywood Transformations vs. Real-World Results
Initially, the transformations seen in celebrities don’t provide a realistic depiction of what’s feasible for the average individual.
Consider this: If your profession required you to bulk up for a role, you’d have an entire team assisting you in achieving your goal. This team could include a personal trainer, a personal chef, a massage therapist, a strength coach, and more. You’d have ample time to rigorously workout and recuperate.
Your primary task would be to build muscle, and you’d have a wealth of experts at your disposal to aid you in this endeavor. Also, it’s important to remember that factors like lighting, camera angles, adept editing, and even surgical procedures can be employed to modify appearances.
Furthermore, there have been instances where celebrities confessed to using performance-boosting drugs to rapidly change their looks, or they’ve been found in possession of illicit substances that could be used for such purposes. Although many actors deny using steroids and similar substances, it would be naive to assume every actor maintains a completely natural physique.
In essence, what this boils down to is the following: The human body has the potential for remarkable change, and there exists a small group of individuals who can build muscle at a remarkable rate. However, for the vast majority, changes in physique are slower and less significant.
Undeniably, Ritchson’s gain of 35 pounds of muscle is not something you see every day, particularly considering his low body fat percentage. Ritchson has expressed on Instagram that he is “not an expert” and urges others to “get to the gym” and “just do something.”
While this is sound advice, one should not expect to resemble Reacher after a few months of sporadic workouts and proper eating.
The Truth About Muscle Gain and Realistic Expectations
The unfortunate reality is that gaining 35 lb. of lean muscle within a year or less is not feasible, and this fact becomes increasingly evident as one ages. Muscle build-up tends to be slower in older individuals compared to younger ones. Even gaining 20 lb. of lean muscle in a year is quite rare.
On a positive note, it’s entirely possible to bring about substantial changes in your physique regardless of your age. This has been proven repeatedly. Those who maintain regular exercise routines, follow a balanced diet and ensure adequate rest begin to exhibit noticeable differences in their appearance and performance. However, these transformations take time and don’t occur instantly.
Consider this reasonable “transformation”: We’ve observed numerous individuals shed 5 lb. of fat and accrue 5 lb. of muscle over the course of a year. This is neither rare, extreme nor unusual. In fact, there are those who have managed to exceed these 5-lb. losses and gains.
One could argue, “That’s a far cry from 35 lb. of ‘Reacher muscle’,” however, the truth is swapping 5 lb. of fat for 5 lb. of muscle is a remarkable achievement worth applauding. If you make this exchange, you’ll notice a physical transformation and feel healthier.
Of course, you can aim for loftier objectives. We’ve guided individuals to shed or accumulate much more than 5 lb. However, these transformations are achieved through a gradual, consistent progression over time. We devise intricate plans, tweak them frequently, and assist our clients with dietary advice, rest, recuperation, and stress management.
We simply don’t guarantee instant remedies, miraculous transformations, or impractical outcomes.
If your goal is to lose a substantial amount of fat or gain an impressive amount of muscle, we’re here to help—but don’t expect immediate results. You must be willing to dedicate yourself to the process and exert considerable effort, both in the gym and in your dietary habits.
But bear this in mind: Significant body alterations are achievable with patience and dedication. You can certainly modify your body composition to enhance your looks, health, and performance.
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