Reacher star Alan Ritchson has revealed the workout approach that helps him maintain the powerful physique fans have come to associate with Jack Reacher. After portraying the iconic character across four seasons, Ritchson has become known for his muscular build and demanding action scenes, and he’s now shared the training philosophy behind his transformation.
Speaking on the Thomas DeLauer podcast, the actor explained that his routine changes depending on what his body needs, but he often focuses on high-volume workouts rather than chasing maximum strength.
“There are seasons where I feel that what my body needs right now is high-volume, cardiovascular-based plyometrics, push-ups, pull-ups, dips, and sit-ups,” Ritchson said.
“It’s something that I’ve relied on for so long. And I get a lot of strength out of that, and a lot of definition.
“If I’m doing 100 pull-ups a day, 100 dips a day, 250 push-ups and sit-ups, you get huge pumps, and eventually those pumps become your reality.”
Ritchson also explained that aesthetics, rather than lifting the heaviest weights possible, remain his primary goal.
“Strength is not the goal for me; it’s more aesthetics. People ask me all the time, ‘How much do you bench?’ And that’s not my goal. I’m not a powerlifter. The powerlifters that I know have all had knee and joint replacements, and that’s not my goal. It’s about volume to me.”
Most recently, the actor returned as the “mountain of a man” Jack Reacher in Neagley, the spin-off centered on Maria Sten’s character, Frances Neagley. The series follows the private investigator and former military protégé of Reacher after she discovers that a close friend from her past has died in what appears to be a suspicious accident. Determined to uncover the truth, she launches her own investigation.
The spin-off has received a warm reception from critics. David Opie praised the show’s emotional direction, saying: “The result is a more emotional, personal outing than the typical case-of-the-month arcs that Reacher fans are used to.
“That’s not to say Neagley skimps on the danger. There are stunts galore, as you’d expect, although they’re rarely as impressive as the ones delivered in the main show.”
The series currently holds a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with Empire writing: “What Neagley lacks in pure brawn, it makes up for with intimate character work and Maria Sten’s note-perfect performance. It doesn’t quite soar, but this spin-off has legs.”
JoBlo also praised the show’s future potential, stating: “If Prime Video plays its cards right, Reacher and Neagley can keep having their own corners of the universe and build towards crossover events that bring Alan Ritchson and Maria Sten back together for years to come.”
Meanwhile, The Hollywood Reporter commented: “Storytelling missteps aside, Neagley promises pulpy, action pleasures and, by the end, achieves though never exceeds those expectations.”
But Why Tho? was equally positive, adding: “Neagley season 1 is an absolute success. The first season proves Frances Neagley can carry a show on her own and is more than just Reacher’s protégé and friend.”
