Alexander Skarsgård's transformation for 'Northern': Secrets of success from Magnus Ligdbeck

Oleksandr Skarsgård: Preparation for "Northern"

Alexander Skarsgård surprised everyone with his physical transformation for the role of the Viking Amlet in the movie "Northern", released in 2022. In order to portray the image of a powerful warrior, the actor underwent intensive training under the guidance of personal trainer and nutritionist Magnus Ligdbeck.

Wolf and Bear: A common goal

Ligdbeck says that training for the role of Amlet began with basic exercises that helped Skarsgård create the image of the character.

'We focused on creating the character of the hero. His spirit is a wolf and a bear. We wanted Oleksandr to be as agile as a wolf and at the same time as powerful as a bear, ' Ligdbek explains.

Secrets of the training regime

To achieve his impressive physical form, Skarsgård performed specific exercises aimed at strengthening the muscles of the arms and adapting the body to the movements of the character. The trainer shared the star's favorite exercises: EZ Bar Bicep Curls, Battle Ropes, Kettlebell Halos, Bulgarian Split Squats with Kettlebells, and Landmine Spins.

Home training zone during the pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the actor and his trainer to create a home training area in the garage. They used a variety of tools, such as battle ropes and land mines, to replace heavy weights and exercise machines.

Past Roles: Preparing for Tarzan

Such intensive training is not new for the 45-year-old Swedish actor. In preparation for the role of Tarzan in 2016, Skarsgård trained six or seven days a week and followed a high-calorie diet, consuming about 7, 000 calories a day.

"We tried really hard, but we didn't spend more than an hour training, and we never did two workouts a day during the volume phase, " says Ligdbeck.

Conclusions and implications

Skarsgård has proven that he is ready to make great sacrifices for his roles. His preparation for "Northern" is another example of his dedication and professionalism. This transformation not only highlights his acting skills, but also inspires others to achieve their goals.

Editor: Yana Davydiuk