Alan Ritchson, the imposing figure who embodies Jack Reacher on Prime Video, is back for a third season of the hit action series. But beyond the on-screen brawls and intense investigations, Ritchson is also opening up about his dedication to fitness and the enduring bond he shares with his wife, Catherine.
Reacher Returns: Season 3 Takes on ‘Persuader’
Ritchson reprises his role as the former U.S. military police major turned drifter in Reacher Season 3. This season adapts Lee Child’s novel, Persuader, plunging Reacher into a criminal conspiracy where he must rescue an undercover DEA informant and confront figures from his past.
The new season finds Reacher working with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to dismantle a smuggling operation. The investigation leads him to Zachary Beck (Anthony Michael Hall), a wealthy importer using a rug business as a front for illicit activities.
Ritchson’s Regimen: Building the Body of Reacher
Ritchson’s transformation into the physically imposing Jack Reacher has been a topic of much discussion. He gained a reported 30 pounds of muscle for the role, demonstrating a commitment to embodying the character’s physicality. But how does he do it?
The ‘Reacher’ Workout Philosophy
Ritchson emphasizes a balanced approach to fitness, focused on longevity and injury prevention. He avoids “punishing” himself in the gym, opting instead for “consistent, vigorous activity for short, healthy amounts of time”.
Key Elements of Ritchson’s Workout
While Ritchson’s specific routines may vary, some consistent elements appear in his training:
- Calisthenics: Bodyweight exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, dips, and sit-ups form a foundation of Ritchson’s fitness. He reportedly did 100 reps each of push-ups, pull-ups, dips, and sit-ups as part of his routine.
- Weight Training: Ritchson incorporates weight training to build strength and size. His workouts include exercises like deadlifts, bench presses, and shoulder presses.
- Sprints: High-intensity sprints are a regular part of Ritchson’s training. He incorporates sprints totaling 1,000 meters into his routine.
- Running: Moderate-distance runs of 3 to 5 miles are also included in his workout schedule.
Sample Workout Routine
One workout routine attributed to Ritchson includes the following:
- Deadlifts: 5 sets of 5 reps (2-3 minutes rest)
- Reverse Lunges: 4 sets of 6-8 reps per leg (2-3 minutes rest)
- Calf Raises: 4 sets of 10-15 reps (30-60 seconds rest)
- Seated Barbell Shoulder Press: 5 sets of 5 reps (2-3 minutes rest)
- Upright Row: 4 sets of 6-8 reps (2 minutes rest)
Another routine focuses on chest and triceps:
- Incline Barbell Bench Press: 5 sets of 4-6 reps (2-3 minutes rest)
- Flat Dumbbell Bench Press: 4 sets of 6-8 reps (2-3 minutes rest)
- Incline Flyes: 4 sets of 8-12 reps (30-60 seconds rest)
- Skull Crushers: 4 sets of 6-8 reps (2-3 minutes rest)
- Overhead Dumbbell Triceps Extensions: 4 sets of 8-10 reps (2-3 minutes rest)
- Cable Rope Extensions: 4 sets of 8-12 reps (30-60 seconds rest)
He also performs a superset focusing on triceps and biceps:
- Cable Tricep Pulldown: 4 sets of 15-25 reps
- Cable Overhead Tricep Extension: 4 sets of 15-25 reps
- Cable Hammer Curls: 4 sets of 15-25 reps
Importance of Bodyweight Training
Even with the addition of weight training, Ritchson emphasizes bodyweight exercises. He suggests incorporating pull-ups, push-ups, and dips into any routine, citing their effectiveness for building muscle and their accessibility.
A Love Story: Ritchson’s Enduring Marriage to Catherine
Beyond his on-screen success and dedication to fitness, Alan Ritchson is also a devoted husband and father. He has been married to his wife, Catherine, since 2006, and they share three children.
How They Met
Alan and Catherine’s love story began in high school. The two met in a ballet class in Florida.
A Strong Partnership
Catherine has been a constant support throughout Alan’s career. The couple have been together since their teenage years.
Alan Ritchson’s journey embodies dedication in multiple facets of his life. From the rigorous training required to portray Jack Reacher to the commitment he demonstrates to his family, Ritchson offers a glimpse into the hard work and values that underpin his success.
