AARON PIERRE has quietly established himself as Hollywood’s next big action star thanks to his willingness to take on physically demanding roles. Rebel Ridge was his breakout, and now he has gigs lined up in both Star Wars and the MCU. The future is bright, but keeping it that way hinges on Pierre’s ability to get himself into shape for action-packed roles. Rest assured, he knows what he’s doing.
In Rebel Ridge, Pierre played an ex-marine deft in hand-to-hand combat. He needed to look physically imposing, but also had to be capable of throwing some realistic haymakers. To do so, he opted for a varied workout routine that had him hitting everything from weights and wrestling mats to boxing bags.
A high-intensity, combat-focused routine wasn’t new to Pierre, though. He’s practiced martial arts extensively in boxing and jiu-jistu. He often pairs martial arts with strength training and calisthenics just to keep his fitness up when he’s not training for a role.
“It is the most humbling thing in the world,” he told Men’s Health, of his experience with martial arts. “I love being a student. I love being a sponge and absorbing, and just putting myself in situations where I have to evolve, I have to grow.”
When it comes to strength training, Pierre also adopts a student mentality. The aim is constant self-improvement, and to accomplish it, he understands that he needs to keep learning.
“I’m focused on evolution and growing and definitely longevity,” he says. “That’s really how I try to train – in ways that contribute to my shelf date.”
Men’s Health caught up with Pierre at the gym he visits when he’s in New York City to check out his back day session. It’s not an easy workout. Pierre does a lot of sets. Like, ten sets for each exercise. It’s a marathon of a workout, but if you can handle it, you’ll build a back like Pierre’s.
Aaron Pierre's back workout
1. Pull-ups x 5 sets of 10 reps
2. Lat pulldowns x 8-10 sets of 10 reps
3. Cable row x 8-10 sets of 10 reps
4. Alternating dumbbell bicep curls x 8-10 sets of 10 reps each side
5. Weighted pull-up x 5 sets of 10 reps
