November 12, 2026, 4:52 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
Even at the age of 58, Josh Brolin remains in impressive physical shape. The Hollywood star not only captivates with his distinctive charisma but also with a strong, well-toned physique. Apparently, there’s more to it than just good genes. How does the actor stay so strong and fit as he approaches 60?
Whether as a ruthless killer in “No Country for Old Men” (2007), the muscular Cable in “Deadpool 2” (2018), or the overpowering Thanos in the Marvel universe, the American has repeatedly taken on roles that required an imposing physique. Another example is the “Dune” franchise, where he impresses as Gurney Halleck with his physical presence. With “Dune: Part Three” set to hit theaters in December 2026, his next appearance in the successful sci-fi saga is already on the horizon. It’s reason enough to take a closer look at how the now 58-year-old keeps his body in shape.
Squats in the Sauna: Brolin’s Unusual Workout for “Dune 2”
In light of the upcoming third “Dune” film, his workout before the second part, released in 2024, is particularly intriguing. Back then, a mix of strength, endurance, and recovery was crucial. Even today, Brolin regularly highlights two key elements of his recovery–the sauna and the cold water bath. He often combines these with short bodyweight training sessions to keep his heart rate up.
Before “Dune: Part Two,” he described his daily routine, according to “Men’s Health,” where all three elements were connected. As part of his “morning warm-up training,” he completed 20 squats, 20 dips, and 20 push-ups. And not just anywhere, but in the sauna (as seen in an Instagram Reel on Josh Brolin’s account)! His daily workout spanned five rounds at about 107 degrees for 30 minutes, followed by a five-minute ice bath at about 2 degrees after a 25-minute circuit training for endurance and core stability.
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Nearly 20 Hours of Training per Week for the “Marvel” Body
Josh Brolin had already proven several years earlier that he could train much more intensively for a film role. For his role as Cable in “Deadpool 2,” he even sought professional support and worked with former professional bodybuilder Justin Lovato. The program was intense: The actor trained up to three hours daily.
“A typical day for Josh Brolin looked like this: he came by in the morning, and we took him through mobility exercises and circuit training,” Lovato told the British Men’s Health. “And then he came back in the afternoon for a bodybuilding session. We did this six days a week.”
The exercises were also regularly changed to continually introduce new training stimuli. The program included deadlifts, lat pulldowns, rowing, and shoulder and arm training. The result was a physical transformation that was impressive.
Why Josh Brolin Declared War on Sugar
But so much training alone is not enough to build a Hollywood muscle body. Nutrition also played a crucial role. And here, Brolin changed his approach a few years ago–for a reason. In the “Behind the Shield” podcast in 2018, he revealed that the many travels and appointments disrupted his eating habits. “I’m a big fan of sugar,” he admitted. However, he visibly gained weight from eating sweets before bed and also felt uncomfortable.
His response? He radically changed his diet and largely gave up sugar for about six weeks. Breakfast now consisted of two eggs with avocado, later two protein shakes, and in the evening, a salad with about 115 to 170 grams of chicken. The change quickly showed results: “I feel better. I move better. I think more clearly.” His sleep also improved, and he felt less irritable. Additionally, he lost the excess pounds again.
By the way, Brolin has shown that he can be quite disciplined with his diet before. During another Marvel preparation, he wrote on Instagram: “No sugar. No bread. No pasta. The machine is being built.” His diet at the time mainly consisted of fish, rice, eggs, and vegetables. According to “Fitness Volt,” breakfast also included three eggs, toast, yogurt, and a whey protein shake, followed by a chicken salad for lunch.
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“Love Being Sober”
In addition to training and nutrition, Josh Brolin has also adjusted another aspect of his life over the years: his lifestyle. According to him, he has been living sober for more than a decade. In October 2026, he told the British “Telegraph” that he hadn’t had a drink in twelve years and attended an Alcoholics Anonymous Zoom meeting every morning at six.
“I love being sober. I have much more fun now than I ever did when I was drinking, and I never end up in jail, which is a real plus,” he said. His decision to abstain was not without reason. He used to wake up on the street in front of his house after nights of heavy drinking.
Physically Fit, Mentally Calm: Why Less Is Sometimes More
Brolin’s changed perspective is also evident in his view on aging. In an interview with the “Times” in 2024, he said: “I enjoy getting older. It’s a great opportunity to finally slow down and say, ‘Take it easy, you don’t have to push yourself constantly.'”
This might be one of his most important fitness secrets: He knows when to push himself to the limit for a film role–but apparently also when it’s time to let things run their course. Instead of a miracle diet or a secret training plan, he relies on routines, conscious decisions, and a lifestyle that benefits both body and mind. An approach that serves him well at 58, keeping him impressively in shape.