August 13, 2026, 6:25 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Hugh Jackman’s “Wolverine” didn’t leap like a cat through the X-Men films for no reason. In English, “Wolverine” actually means glutton. But contrary to a leisurely glutton, Jackman now shows in a new Instagram video how he trains his legs. The now 57-year-old can still jump, though not as high as he once did in the films, but that’s forgivable. What does an expert say about the exercises?
“When Beth Decides It’s Leg Day”
The Beth who decided it was leg day is Beth Lewis, Hugh Jackman’s trainer. In a new Instagram post, Jackman writes that Beth not only planned leg exercises for him that day but also combined the training with core and balance exercises. “Luckily, the stool was ready to prevent a fall. Safety first,” the actor writes. We get a glimpse into two, one might say, special exercises. That’s why fitness trainer Markus Bremen evaluates the two exercises for FITBOOK: “Jackman shows two things: jumping lunges and a core/stability-oriented exercise with a band,” says the expert.
The Stool Exercise
Regarding the stool exercise, Bremen explained: “The isometric tension against the band resistance continuously challenges the deep core muscles without much movement needed. This type of core endurance is particularly valuable at 57 because it directly supports posture and spinal protection in everyday life.”
What Box Jumps Train and How to Do Them Correctly
Hollywood Star Channing Tatum: “I Won’t Be Taking on Any More ‘Fat Roles'”
Jumping Lunges
Bremen rates the jumping lunges as significantly more demanding: “They combine strength, reactivity, and especially balance—the landing phase demands stability in the knee and hip in a split second. This is precisely the area that often declines first after the mid-40s, and maintaining plyometric training at that age is remarkable and absolutely recommended.” Plyometric describes explosive jump exercises. However, the expert also warns: “Jumping lunges are joint-straining—proper landing technique (soft cushioning, knees not inward) is more important than jump height or speed. For untrained readers, it’s more of a long-term goal than a starting point.”
Progress in Rowing
Jackman also seems to be a big fan of rowing training and regularly shares insights into his training progress. On July 15, he proudly posted his new best time: “Great success today!! The last 2k (2000 meters, ed.) ran in 6:54. Proud, exhausted, grateful, and sweating.” He credits the result to his girlfriend and longtime trainer Beth Lewis—and the appreciation is mutual: “I am so proud of this man! He has really embraced this training with full commitment and has been, as always, strong and consistent. Maintaining 3 days of rowing and 3 days of strength training per week alongside his schedule is a real challenge!”
Anyone who watches the Olympics knows exactly how impressive rowers’ bodies look. No wonder, as rowing engages almost the entire musculature simultaneously. Legs, core, and upper body work together in one movement. The heart regularly adapts to rowing training by increasing in size and pumping capacity. At the same time, the muscles grow, primarily the endurance-capable fibers.1
So rowing is not only good for muscle building, heart, and endurance. It also seems to be particularly gentle on the joints. This is shown by a study with 38 older adults aged 65 to 85 years with mild knee osteoarthritis.2 After twelve weeks of rowing training, participants had significantly more strength in the hip and knee and also improved their mobility. Most importantly, no knee pain occurred during the training.
If you’re now motivated, feel free to hop on the rower. Just be cautious with Jackman’s two leg exercises.