At 61, Keanu Reeves demonstrates that age is just a number, staying in remarkable shape as he prepares for the fifth installment of the John Wick series set for a 2025 release. His rigorous training regimen, which consists of six days a week of intense workouts, blends martial arts with strength training, ensuring he can authentically portray his iconic character.
Keanu Reeves’ Unique Training Approach
Unlike many traditional training programs, Reeves’ routine emphasizes strength and resilience rather than simply bulking up. His journey in fitness began in 1991 with trainer Denise Snyder during the filming of Point Break. They continued working together throughout The Matrix and the early John Wick films before Reeves brought on celebrity trainer Patrick Murphy.
Focus on Strength and Endurance
- Training emphasizes compound exercises over isolation work.
- Designed to help Reeves handle the physical demands of action films.
- Involves high-volume workouts with minimal rest.
Murphy adapts his methods to maintain Reeves’ overall health. “He wasn’t lifting crazy heavy weights; it was about building endurance and stability,” Murphy stated. This approach means Reeves hits the gym performing high repetitions in circuits, making each session both grueling and rewarding.
Incorporating Restorative Training
To balance the intense workload, Murphy also includes restorative training. This focuses on stabilization, alignment, and balance exercises with cables and bands. Such workouts help enhance Reeves’ posture and functional movement, crucial for the physicality of his roles.
Mastering Martial Arts
Reeves’ dedication extends into martial arts, skills he developed during his preparation for The Matrix. Training in disciplines like kung fu, jiu-jitsu, and judo, he committed four months to daily training sessions to ensure his on-screen movements were believable. Choreographer Yuen Woo-ping noted Reeves’ strong work ethic during this time.
Now, he is recognized for his proficiency in these combat disciplines. For John Wick, he incorporated judo, which taught him how to utilize strength through throws and grappling. “I had a little experience in movie fighting, but judo was a new challenge,” he reflected.
A Day in Keanu Reeves’ Training Life
Reeves’ training schedule is meticulously structured. Preparing for John Wick involved workouts that could last from 9 AM to 2 PM, followed by weightlifting and additional rounds of training. He typically trains five to six days a week.
“It’s fun,” he remarked about his intensive schedule, which includes various activities like stunt-driving and jiu-jitsu—all under the guidance of directors with stunt backgrounds.
This commitment to rigorous training has undeniably kept Keanu Reeves at the top of his game, showcasing that dedication and discipline play vital roles in overcoming the challenges of age.
