Bradley Cooper for “American Sniper” − and many other films.

In the midst of commuting between California and London, where he’s preparing Pedro Pascal for his role as Mr. Fantastic in “The Fantastic Four,” Walsh has managed to schedule a training session with me. He has recently introduced his own plant-based protein powder, Rise311, specially designed for individuals who struggle with whey; plus, he is doing some promotional work.

While I’m here for an interview and to exercise, I’m also eager to uncover his secret. What are these fit celebrities doing differently than I am?

Walsh quickly puts to rest any notion of quick fixes. There isn’t a secret, he asserts – instead, there are more effective training strategies that many tend to overlook.

“There’s a lot of misunderstanding about what it really involves,” he explains. “It’s a mindset. It’s about personality. It’s difficult to articulate. Some people just want to take shortcuts, whereas I prefer to work with individuals who are willing to start from scratch and build their way up.”

So, do I have what it takes? I was about to find out.

How Jake Gyllenhaal, Brie Larson, and other stars achieve their sculpted look for films

You might not notice Walsh’s gym while cruising down Santa Monica Boulevard. Tucked away above ordinary storefronts with no visible signage, it offers a discreet haven for celebrities looking to work out away from the watchful eyes of the paparazzi.

However, if you venture through the front door and ascend the narrow staircase, you’ll discover a spacious loft brimming with state-of-the-art exercise equipment. Walsh mentions having a device that scans clients’ bodies to identify any mobility issues before training begins.

When studios enlist his expertise for a project, he often has just a few weeks to transform an actor into an action star. This can be a demanding challenge, and he emphasizes that a significant part of his role is managing expectations with studios about what can realistically be achieved in that timeframe.

“Taking someone who has never trained before and building them from the ground up is a massive undertaking,” he explains. “It requires immense effort, dedication, and, at times, discomfort. It involves a lot of sacrifices to accomplish this transformation.”

Walsh also emphasizes his obligation to maintain honesty with the public about the process. While consistent exercise and healthy eating usually yield impressive outcomes, he acknowledges that there’s often much more occurring behind the scenes in the film industry. It’s not uncommon for actors to undergo planned dehydration or drastic calorie adjustments to achieve a chiselled appearance while filming.

However, maintaining such a physique is not feasible in the long term – nor should it be a goal.

“The transformation Jake Gyllenhaal underwent for ‘Road House’ was incredible, but it’s not sustainable,” he states. “It’s purely about manipulation: hydration protocols, conditioning routines, and low-calorie phases during specific times. Our training constantly varies. And all you see are edited clips of him with his shirt off.”

When he first meets a new client, Walsh always inquires about their training objectives. If someone wants to resemble Gyllenhaal in “Road House,” Walsh wouldn’t dissuade them, but he would candidly explain what it truly takes to reach that level – and encourage them to think about whether they’re ready to make those sacrifices.

Most rewarding for Walsh is helping people become fit enough to lead healthier, fuller lives. He believes this aspect is just as crucial to transforming someone into a superhero as developing physical muscles.

“I want you to feel powerful, because that contributes to the character as well,” he remarks. “It builds genuine confidence. It’s not just superficial confidence; it’s genuine. You can lift heavy things. You can take a fall and recover without injury. Brie Larson is a prime example. Initially, she struggled to open a bottle cap, but by the end of our training, she was performing all her own stunts. For her, that felt like being a superhero, which is truly inspiring.”

I asked Jason Walsh to transform me into a superhero. Here’s what transpired.

So, did Walsh transform me into Thor in just one hour? Not quite—that’s not feasible. Instead, he worked on something different.

I requested Walsh to train me as if I had just been selected as Marvel’s latest hero, marking the first day of my training. He suggested we begin with a foundational assessment to pinpoint any mobility limitations that may hinder my performance, a standard procedure he follows with all his clients.

This might appear monotonous—especially for someone who has been exercising for some time—but he insists it is crucial. This practice helps avert injuries as the intensity of workouts increases. It also greatly enhances how clients feel on a daily basis.

“It’s not solely about appearance,” Walsh emphasizes. “I want to address any and all underlying issues.”

While stretching my legs, Walsh quickly identifies that my lower body has limited flexibility, especially in my right hip. Hence, we get started.

He guides me through a series of stretches and body-weight exercises, solely focused on strengthening my glutes. At one point, he instructs me to perform lateral movements across the gym using resistance bands tied around my legs. He even has me doing squats on a stability ball. By the time we’re through, my glutes feel like they’re on fire, and I’m drenched in sweat.

After finishing, the improvement is remarkable. My squats are deeper and more balanced. I’ve noticed a boost in my stability. My posture has also improved. Walking feels much easier now.

“We all desire to look good, and I get it—there are significant mental benefits to glancing in the mirror and thinking, ‘Wow,'” Walsh adds. “It’s motivating. Yet, this isn’t my main priority.”

What he considers the main focus is supporting individuals to live their best lives.

Initially, I believed workouts had to consist of heavy lifting or intense cardio to be effective. However, after experiencing a session with Walsh, I realize that addressing specific issues can often be far more beneficial—especially if it targets a long-standing concern.

This marks a shift in perspective that Walsh has experienced throughout his personal fitness journey.

“I’m striving to develop myself and remain open to fresh ideas,” he shares. “I used to be rather stubborn, coming from a coaching background, which often carries a strong alpha-male mentality. In this environment, however, it’s vital to be more understanding and compassionate towards others. We all face daily challenges that can prevent us from performing at our best.”

After my newfound squatting abilities, I begin to wonder what other unnoticed issues my body might have. As I continue to work out and lift weights independently, I plan to remain vigilant.

Most importantly, I realize that if I ever achieve a superhero-level physique, it needs to be grounded on a solid base—one that ultimately helps alleviate the everyday aches and pains. After all, what’s the point of having a superhero appearance if you don’t feel like one inside as well?

Watch out, Thor—I’m one workout closer to claiming your hammer.