“Star Trek Beyond” Star Idris Elba’s Kickboxing Training for “Thor: Ragnarok” and Discovery’s “Fighter” Series

Photo Credit: Derek Storm / Splash News
Idris Elba

Photo Credit: Derek Storm / Splash News

Idris Elba’s kickboxing training and workout routine is helping the 43-year-old stay in killer shape as he prepares to reprise his role as Heimdall, the guardian sentry of Asgard, in 2017’s superhero flick Thor: Ragnarok.

Check out Elba as he flexes his biceps for the camera:

Cutting weight, two days before first fight, mind in the right place. Fear NO guy.

A photo posted by 7dub (@7dub) on

This Instagram video features Elba’s workout routine and boxing training:

A video posted by 7dub (@7dub) on

Another video has Idris Elba kickboxing with a punching bag:

A video posted by 7dub (@7dub) on

Elba is also buffing up for the Discovery Networks International TV series Idris Elba: Fighter. It is a limited three-part, hour-long factual series where Elba becomes a professional kickboxer and competes against a seasoned fighter. (The series will air in more than 220 countries—including the U.S. and U.K. — in early 2017).

It has allegedly been Elba’s lifelong ambition to fight professionally; entering the ring is a challenge that the actor has been looking forward to for a while now.

Idris Elba’s Fitness and Exercise Program

As part of the Idris Elba: Fighter series process, Elba pushes himself to overcome fear and pain, and he masters special skills and techniques.

During his kickboxing training, Elba received mentoring from former world champions, coaches, and trainers. The actor also traveled around the world and learned unorthodox training methods to increase his chances of victory in the ring.

Idris Elba is listed at six-feet-two-inches and weighs approximately 215 pounds. Elba says that when he was younger it was difficult to put on weight, but now he gains weight quite easily. But, if he works out for a week, he loses the weight pretty quickly.

Elba has been kickboxing and practicing Muay Thai since the age of 25, and only now has ventured into professional kickboxing. When he can, Elba hits the dojo two to three times a week. He focuses on drills that feature three-minute rounds of light sparring and combo kicks. He also performs a pretty intense core workout that works his abdominal muscles.

Idris Elba’s Weight Loss Diet and Healthy Lifestyle

Elba also lost a notable amount of weight to fit into his Krall costume for Star Trek Beyond. The British actor spent hours in make-up to have his prosthetic alien features made—but this meant Elba was unable to eat comfortably during breaks. He had to take out his false teeth and drink his meals using a straw—as a result Elba lost a lot of weight.

When his diet isn’t restricted for a film, Elba follows a healthy diet. Allegedly, his favorite breakfast foods are cereal, oatmeal, and eggs—although once in a while he’ll enjoy a chocolate bar.


Sources:
Mejaski, C., “Idris Elba shows off buff shirtless body in post-workout photo,” CTV eTalk website, Aug. 22, 2016; http://www.etalk.ca/news/2016/august/idris-elba-shirtless-instagram.
Tartaglione, N., “Idris Elba To Train As Pro Kickboxer for Discovery’s ‘Fighter’ Limited Series,” Deadline website, Aug. 23, 2016; http://deadline.com/2016/08/idris-elba-fighter-kickboxer-series-discovery-1201807392/.