The workout examples in the book are more full body routines. I looked to established trainers to develop more targeted (legs, upper body) workouts like Jeff Cavaliere at AthleanX and then just plugged in the exercises into the 5-2 structure. Stansall said: “ The 10-Week Intelligent Fitness Challenge is the perfect follow-up to Simon’s first book, Intelligent Fitness, which laid the groundwork for his unique and highly effective philosophy on health and wellbeing. His dedication to his clients and his meticulous approach to their programmes has resulted in his huge popularity within the film industry, with some of the world’s biggest actors returning to work with him again and again. We’re really excited to share his much-coveted exercises and techniques with everyone looking to improve their health, whatever their fitness level.” Hiddleston said: “For me, training with Simon is a crucial part of preparing for any action role – this 10-week programme is a fantastic example of Simon’s thoughtful and effective approach to fitness.” It’s possible to make huge advances in your strength and general fitness using nothing more than your own body. Weights have their benefits but do not underestimate the power of simply battling gravity, Waterson says.

Intelligent Fitness by Simon Waterson | Waterstones Intelligent Fitness by Simon Waterson | Waterstones

For most of us, being able to bound up the stairs or racing to catch our train is the closest we’ll get to vaulting away from a psychopath. Try incorporating the jumping and leaping moves Waterson suggests into his 10-week challenge workouts. Embracing these plyometric, dynamic exercises builds athleticism in even the most sedentary people. 5. Use gravity

The best thing is that he makes it so doable for all of us common folk - cuz I can tell you, I ain't no Hollywood star that has the time and resources to focus all my energy on fitness. Thankfully, this trainer understands that and provides a straightforward, effective solution! Waterson’s clients include actors such as Daniel Craig, who trained with him for his role as James Bond in five films, Hiddleston for Loki, Chris Evans for the role of Captain America, Chris Pratt for “Guardians of the Galaxy”, Thandiwe Newton and John Boyega for the Star Wars films, and Diego Luna for “Andor”. You’re never going to beat bodyweight exercises – do varied push-ups: very wide, then very narrow ones, mountain climber push-ups (pushing alternating knees across the body as you perform each up and down movement), and Spiderman push-ups (lifting alternate knees high to the shoulder as you push yourself up and down – resembling the superhero scaling a wall). That would cover triceps, chest, core and shoulders.”

Intelligent Fitness Skills - Skillsfaster Simon Waterson Intelligent Fitness Skills - Skillsfaster

The core of Waterson’s approach is to mix short bursts of cardiovascular exercise with resistance training, in a ratio of five strength moves to two minutes of cardio. The method, he says, which is based on his training in the military, is hugely versatile.You can grumble about the movie stars and the 10 weeks in these books. Or you can focus on the valuable fitness philosophy and goodies that a top trainer like Waterson in sharing with you. The book focuses on an “inspiring and easy-to-follow workout programme that encourages you to train like an A-list celeb, giving you access to Simon’s unparalleled knowledge of fitness and health,” the synopsis reads. Everyone's always saying, 'I want to look like this.' But I believe what you should be saying is, 'I want to feel like this.' Once you have that self-awareness, the by-product is going to be visual. Fitness isn't about achieving a particular look or image. Fitness is primarily about feelings. You cannot be another person because you haven’t got their genetics, but you might be able to look or feel or perform even better than they can,” he says. “Use them as inspiring stories to be the best version of yourself.”