Want to know what Bear Grylls does for his workout? It’s shockingly simple
Known for extreme survival challenges, Grylls reveals a surprisingly simple workout routine he follows to stay strong at 51.
Many people know Bear Grylls as a survival expert from the show Man vs. Wild, where he tackles extreme challenges in harsh conditions that most of us can’t even imagine. Before his fame on television, he served in the British Special Forces, which taught him the importance of staying fit and being both mentally and physically strong. Given his history of climbing Mount Everest and crossing the North Atlantic in an open boat, anyone would assume his personal fitness routine involves hours of special training. However, Bear’s actual approach to staying fit is much simpler than that.
Bear Grylls’s workout routine
In a recent video, Bear Grylls shared his fitness routine, which he believes is important for everyday life. He follows the same three times a week, with a 48-hour rest period between sessions.
The workout focuses on building strength with heavy weights. He starts with five squats and five sets of chest presses to build leg and chest strength. Then he moves on to three sets of pull-ups to strengthen the back and arms, then three sets of pull-ups behind the shoulders. Followed by three sets of Pendlay rows for the back, finishing with three sets of sit-ups for core strength. He explains that the goal is to complete 6 repetitions per set with heavy weights.
He also stresses the importance of resting between sets, as this is a well-known strategy for effectively building strength. This full-body workout is designed to engage all major muscle groups with compound exercises, which helps beginners avoid common mistakes like overcomplicating their workout routines.
Bear calls this routine the “William Charters Workout,” named after his good friend William Charters, a former Royal Marine and men’s fitness coach. Bear describes William as an incredible person and credits him for the inspiration behind this workout.
Reactions
Hundreds of people shared their thoughts on Bear’s recent video, admiring his impressive physique and routine at this age.
Although Bear’s workout routine may seem simple compared to his days in the special forces, it shows how he’s adapting to maintain his health in the long run. Some viewers were surprised by how brief and simple his workout was, with one saying, “I would have thought you did more than this, but that’s still a solid workout routine”. Another wrote, “You’re a man after my own heart, Bear. Simple exercises, no fancy stuff.”
Regardless of the simplicity of his exercises, Bear continues to inspire many as a fitness icon. One person said, “Keep it up, brother! You look great and have been inspiring me for years to get out and enjoy life!” Others praised how well he has maintained his physical condition over the years, with comments like, “Still crushing it, still handsome as ever, Bear!”
Why this matters
Many people believe that you need to follow an intense workout to stay in shape, as good as Bear. However, Bear’s fitness routine shows that you can keep fit without going to extreme lengths. In a world where we’re frequently encouraged to invest in fancy equipment or complicated exercise programs, Bear follows simple exercises. Simple resistance training, also known as strength training, is one of the best ways to keep muscle mass and bone density as you age. Since these naturally decline over time, lifting heavy objects a few times a week essentially helps you stay healthy and functional for as long as possible.
You don’t have to look far to see that this mindset pays off. Sylvester Stallone is 79 years old and still trains with a level of dedication that would humble people half his age. Whether you’re in your 50s like Bear or getting close to your 80s, the aim is to build a body that lets you enjoy the activities you love every day without putting too much strain on yourself.
A lot of people skip the gym because they feel like they don’t have enough time for a workout. But being in shape allows you to enjoy time with your kids, survive a work week, or head out on a weekend hike without a second thought. You can start with a basic rack at home or a few heavy kettlebells. It’s a great way to take back your time and still be ready for any fun adventure that comes your way!
