It’s certainly hard to forget Zac Efron’s impressive physique in Baywatch, and if you’ve ever wondered how on earth he keeps that iconic six-pack in tip-top shape, you’re in luck.
The 31-year-old actor teamed up with former Vampire Diaries actress and Les Mills x Reebok ambassador Nina Dobrev to film his first episode of ‘Gym Time’, a workout and interview series on his Youtube channel.
Zac Efron teamed up with former Vampire Diaries actress Nina Dobrev for the first episode of his Youtube series ‘Gym Time’. (Images: Getty, Shutterstock)
Besides the fact we didn’t even know he had a YouTube channel (he posted his first video last week), we were eager to get insight into how celebs train – turns out it’s pretty intense, but the funny duo seemed to be having a good time despite the hard slog.
“Another big part of working out is the community of it and going to workouts with friends and having that accountability,” Nina, 30, says in the video.
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Zac agrees replying, “It’s like, what’s something that we all love to do? I love to hang out with friends, and sometimes we do it at the gym.”
Vitru Trainer Johnny Fontana guides the pair through the first part of their workout after Nina declares she wants to work on her butt and abs.
Explaining how they can attain “the Brad Pitt in Fight Club muscles,” he talks them through side bends, which sees the pair lie on their side on a bench with their upper-body hanging off.
The movement is like a side crunch, but you crunch up with a bit of a twist.
While the two struggled through the exercise Zac, chants “Brad Pitt wouldn’t quit,” as motivation to keep himself going.
The two of them completed a long list of exercises from lateral band walks to plank slides, sled runs to kettlebell halos all while joking around and even chatting about Nina’s recent trip to South Africa.
The pair finished it off with Nina braving a cryo chamber for three minutes while Zac asked her quick-fire questions like, ‘If you could live in a book, TV show or movie, what would it be?’ the answer: Harry Potter.
Watch the full workout video below, or scroll down for a quick run-down of some of their key exercises.
Exercise like Zac Efron and Nina Dobrev
2 x 20 steps of lateral band walks: You’ll need a resistance band for this move. Loop the band just about your ankles and begin with your feet directly underneath your hips before bending into a halfway squat. Take a step to the right as far as you can go and actively resist the pull of the band as you slowly bring your left leg towards to right to get you back to your starting position. Repeat for 20 steps before reversing the direction by walking to the left.
2 x 20 reps of squat butterflies with resistance band: Using a resistance band, place it just above both of your knees and settle into a squat position. Slowly push your knees outwards stretching the band, before bringing it back in like the flap of a butterfly wings.
3 x 5 each kettlebell halos: Grip the handles of the kettlebell with both hands and bring it up to your chest. Still holding it with both hands, raise it up and around the left side of your head in a circular motion, keeping your head straight and core engaged. Finish the rotation by bringing the kettlebell back down to your chest and do the same movement in the opposite direction. That completes one rep.
30 second hold of hollow hold: Lie on your back with your legs straight and your arms extended up above your head. Press your lower back into the floor and push your belly button towards your spine while you slowly lift your hands and feet above the floor. Try to keep them as low to the floor as possible, keeping your abs and glutes tight. Hold for five to 30 seconds.
Elbow planks: Begin on your forearms and knees and then step your feet out one at a time to form a plank position. Activate your abs and make sure your butt isn’t sinking or sticking up, your spine should be parallel to the floor. Hold for 30 seconds to one minute.
