Keanu Reeves health: Star on the ‘life-changing’ secret to ageing well at 57
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For decades the Canadian actor has defied age, and with the return of his character Neo in the upcoming The Matrix Resurrections, fans are once again left scratching their heads as to how the actor remains so youthful. Yet, in the past the star has revealed little hints and tips into how he stays in shape, and what works for him as he edges ever closer towards the age of 60.
One thing that makes Keanu stand out from the rest is his devotion to making what audiences see on screen as authentic as possible. In order to do this, he actively learns new skills and does regular stunt work in order to create this move magic.
In fact, Keanu credits movies such as Point Break for allowing him to think more about his body and prioritise his health, in order to improve his movies.
Talking to Men’s Journal he said that the 1991 action crime film was “life-changing”, as it introduced him to fitness and training.
It was also the first time where he met Denise Snyder, who went on to remain Keanu’s personal fitness “guru” for more than 25 years.
Regimented fitness regimes is also something that he took on when training for the John Wick series, where his body transformation was this time overseen by Patrick Murphy.
“John Wick is one of the most physical roles in cinema history,” says Murphy.
“The choreography, along with the multiple fight disciplines, tumbling, stunts, horseback riding, stunt car driving, gun training and other various weapons training means Keanu’s body had been through hell and back.”
In order to keep up with the gruelling demands of the character, Patrick’s main aim was to keep Keanu moving well and feeling strong.
He added: “It’s about being able to maintain a positive rhythm with his joints, and to reduce any pain as much as possible.”
A routine involving corrective exercises, muscular endurance training, balance and stabilisation training, power training and recovery practises all accompany regular weight training and regular gym workouts.
Although reluctant to slow down, naturally over the years Keanu has noticed a change in his abilities and health.
When comparing his abilities as a 25-year-old versus a 57-year-old Keanu said: “I can’t do stairs as fast, but if you say ‘action’ I’ll go.”
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When filming the first of The Matrix films in 1999 Keanu started on a simple yet hardcore diet to keep in shape. Explaining what it consists of he added: “Low sodium, low fat, and the night before a big fight sequence, I still eat a steak.
“It started on The Matrix. I was like, ‘Gotta go eat a steak, Carrie-Anne [Moss, his co-star].’ It’s totally psychological.”
When not preparing for a role, Keanu admitted that he likes to enjoy typical “civilian living”. In these periods he is impartial to a “steak, red wind, a nice single malt with a big ice cube”.
In addition to his physical health, Keanu looks after his mental health, having had to overcome challenges put in his way due to dyslexia.
Reflecting on his childhood and time in school, Keanu said: “Because I had trouble reading, I wasn’t a good student.
“I was just a little too rambunctious and shot my mouth off once too often. I was not generally the most well-oiled machine in the school.”
Despite struggling with reading, it was his love of literature that encouraged him to become an actor, frequently reading plays in order to help his dyslexia.
Although ageing affects everyone a little differently, Age UK, a UK-based charity recommends these seven tips to follow to help you age well:
- Watch your diet
- Look after your teeth
- Stay active
- Get vitamin boosts
- Take care of your feet
- Take regular tests
- Give up smoking
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