Since transforming his body for the 2020 film Inheritance – which saw him lose 9kg in six months to achieve the ‘very lean’ brief for his role – Simon Pegg has maintained a seriously impressive physique.

But while his original transformation may have been motivated by his film career, the focus of his training has since shifted towards building lifelong strength and fitness.

‘I’m just not one for going to seed,’ he told The Sunday Times Magazine. ‘The guys that were 56 when I was a kid seemed like my f**ing grandad, and I just want to live for a long time. Because you know what? I like life.’

While the volume of his training naturally fluctuates, Pegg says that during his most intense training periods he combines daily 10km runs with circuits and strength workouts.

Alongside this core approach, he’s also known to incorporate Reformer Pilates. His trainer, David Lower, told British GQ that while Pegg was filming Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, the pair ‘drilled down on mobility, flexibility and recovery’ to help him stay limber as he gets older, using Reformer Pilates as one of their key tools.

‘We have built up a regimen based around strength and power, but always making time for mobility and recovery,’ Pegg added at the time. ‘At 53, I’m in better shape than I ever was in my thirties.’

But Pegg doesn’t see fitness as something he has to do. Instead, it’s something he genuinely enjoys.

So while he’s training to stay strong, fit and mobile for years to come, it’s also a hobby that boosts his overall wellbeing – something he discovered after quitting alcohol in 2010. He’s remained sober ever since.

‘After I quit drinking, I decided to get in shape,’ he explained. ‘There was something positive about just looking after myself, and I love working out because it gets endorphins flowing and gives me a routine.’

If there’s one thing Kori Sampson knows, it’s how to optimise your body composition for performance. To tap into his knowledge as an elite athlete and coach, we asked him to create a 4-week plan to help you move faster, recover quicker and keep pushing when the fatigue sets in – all while improving your muscle-to-fat ratio.

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Lauren Geall is deputy site editor for Women’s Health UK and Men’s Health UK. She graduated from Exeter University with a BA in English Literature before studying an MA in Magazine Journalism at City, University London. She’s been writing about health, fitness and wellbeing for over five years, with a total of seven years in digital journalism. Prior to her current role, she worked at Stylist as the acting health and fitness editor. As well as being a keen runner, Lauren is passionate about women’s sport and can often be found cheering on Arsenal Women at the Emirates or keeping tabs on the Red Roses’ latest win.