The action star has prioritized light weight to stay lean in his 60s.
Action superstar Jean-Claude Van Damme has a history of maintaining a shredded physique. At 65 years old, he continues to prioritize his health and has found different methods to do so.
“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve tried to balance my training a lot more. I try to take an intelligent approach, learning from previous experiences to make sure I don’t hurt my back or legs.”
Van Damme has been known for his shredded physique on the action screen during his career. This led him to training with different bodybuilding, including Danny Hester, who took part in a GI Exclusive interview about training with Van Damme.
Hester, the first ever Classic Physique Olympia Champion detailed his training with Van Damme in the 90’s. Jean-Claude Van Damme quickly became known for his acting skills and good looks on the big screen. He was often seen in action movies, playing some sort of skilled fighter, and was not shy about showing off his chiseled physique. He was one of the pioneers in this genre that paved the way for other fighters and fitness enthusiasts to show themselves off.
Jean-Claude Van Damme’s Training Approach
Van Damme has tailored his training style to his goals as he has gotten older. This includes more cardio and continuing to be active in martial arts. During all of this, the action superstar has incorporated isometric work based on different yoga movements.
“It’s the best training in the world. You can do it before you brush your teeth in the morning and before you go to bed at night. You raise your heartbeat with no equipment needed. I do this anywhere.”
Jean-Claude Van Damme has flexibility and mobility at the forefront of his workout routine. This has helped maintain strength. Van Damme has focused on light-weight training to balance with cardio multiple times per week.
“Always straight and train very light, like one kilo. And slowly the muscle will take over. You start with one kilo and you don’t feel anything, but you do the correct movement. You feel the correct movement and suddenly the muscle will become a mind and the mind will take over and will say today, I want a little more weight.”
In 2022, Van Damme announced his retirement following his final move role playing himself in What’s My Name? Van Damme continued his conversation by discussing his path to Hollywood.
“I came from Belgium, all the way to Hollywood. I succeeded, I failed, I came back. So I’m walking out on the street after the premiere, and boom! — a car hits me because I’m drunk. When I wake up from the impact, I don’t know what’s my name, and no one recognizes me.”
“I’m canceling everything to get in shape, and after this movie, I’ve bought a small boat. Not a big boat — that’s not for me — but I want to go around the world, and relax. I work all my life, I live all my life in hotels for 30 years.”
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