Additional Coverage:
- ‘Reacher’ actor Alan Ritchson shares how he got so ripped: corned beef, cookies, and push-ups (businessinsider.com)
Local actor Alan Ritchson, star of Prime Video’s “Reacher,” is known for his impressive physique. He recently joked about the secrets to his muscular build, citing pizza, cookies, and countless pushups.
His co-star, Maria Sten, chimed in, revealing Ritchson’s fondness for corned beef. Ritchson confirmed, adding corned beef hash and eggs to the mix.
While Ritchson’s comments were lighthearted, building muscle requires a dedicated approach. He’s previously stated he consumes 4,000 calories daily and performs five 30-minute workouts per week, focusing on cable exercises for his upper body.
Gaining muscle mass often requires a calorie surplus, meaning consuming more calories than burned. However, this can also lead to fat gain. Bodybuilders often cycle between bulking (gaining mass) and cutting (losing fat).
While pizza and cookies offer calories, a balanced diet with sufficient protein is crucial for muscle growth. Corned beef hash and eggs, as Ritchson mentioned, can be a good source of protein. Experts recommend consuming 1.6 to 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight for optimal muscle building.
Pushups and pull-ups, also mentioned by Ritchson, can contribute to overall fitness and upper body strength. A comprehensive arm workout might also include rows, lateral raises, bicep curls, and tricep extensions.
Lifting heavy weights and gradually increasing reps or weight, known as progressive overload, is key for muscle growth. Rest and recovery are equally important, allowing muscles to repair and rebuild stronger.