As an Actor, Russell Thomas is Still Training Like a College Football Star

From Gridiron to Hollywood: Russell Thomas’ Fitness Journey

Russell Thomas, the actor who plays Vice President Eli Winter on Tyler Perry’s The Oval, exudes a former athlete’s confidence, and for good reason. Before transitioning to acting, Thomas was a member of the UCLA Bruins football team, where he honed his physical prowess and developed a strong work ethic. The 6’3″ actor from Los Angeles continues to prioritize fitness, evolving his routine to maintain longevity and stay ready for the demands of his acting career.

Thomas’ football background has been instrumental in shaping his approach to fitness. “The only school I ever wanted to play for was UCLA,” he recalls, reflecting on his time as a walk-on player. “I made the team and was on it for about four years, which was an incredible honor.” As a wide receiver, Thomas had to develop a new level of discipline, particularly when it came to building muscle. “I’ve always had a hard time putting on muscle,” he admits, “but I’ve been able to make progress in the last few years, and I’m now around 205-210 pounds.”

Transitioning from Football to Acting

Thomas’ entry into acting was facilitated by his football experience, with his first roles involving stunt work. “My first few jobs in the industry were doing stunts as a football player,” he explains, citing his work on films like The Gridiron Gang and TV series like Friday Night Lights. This early exposure to film sets and stunt work helped Thomas develop his acting skills and eventually land leading roles, including his current part on The Oval. When it comes to preparing for shirtless scenes, Thomas relies on his sustainable fitness routine, avoiding crash diets and instead focusing on maintaining a consistent level of physical fitness.

Russell Thomas

Blending Old and New Exercise Techniques

Thomas’ fitness routine combines traditional football workouts, such as the bench press, with newer techniques like kettlebell exercises. “The bench press is a hallmark football workout exercise,” he notes, “but I’ve shifted my focus from lifting heavy weights to doing more reps and focusing on endurance.” Thomas has also incorporated kettlebell work into his routine, enjoying the challenge and variety it provides. “I love learning new disciplines and techniques,” he says, citing upright rows and split squats as favorite exercises.

In addition to kettlebell work, Thomas enjoys weighted carries, such as Farmer’s Carry-style walks with barbell plates. “I’ve always been weak in pull-ups,” he admits, “so I focus on building grip strength through exercises like these.” Thomas has also seen significant improvements in his pull-up performance since incorporating this exercise into his routine. For a high-energy workout, Thomas turns to kickboxing circuits, which combine endurance, flexibility, and cardio. “It’s a great way to get my sweat on and drop fat at the same time,” he enthuses.

Russell Thomas

Nutrition and Recovery

As an actor who follows a predominantly plant-based diet, Thomas has learned to prioritize protein intake to support his fitness goals. “I’ve had to expand my diet to include Greek yogurt, eggs, and some meat to get enough amino acids,” he explains. Thomas aims for a balanced diet, with around 50% of his meals being vegan and the remainder consisting of fish, chicken, and occasional red meat. By focusing on protein and listening to his body, Thomas has been able to maintain a healthy weight and support his overall well-being.

With his fitness routine and nutrition plan in place, Thomas is well-equipped to take on the demands of his acting career. As he continues to shine on screen, he remains committed to his fitness journey, always looking for ways to improve and push himself. For more on Russell Thomas’ fitness journey and acting career, visit Here to read the full interview.

Image Credit: www.muscleandfitness.com