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Idris Elba: How to Get His Body

British-born actor Idris Elba tries to fit in workouts whenever he can.

Actor Idris Elba has played every role: from a tough guy (Russell “Stringer” Bell on The Wire), to a corporate suit (on The Office), to a bank robber (in the movie Takers). What’s consistent in all of these roles is his commitment to health. The British-born actor tries to fit in workouts whenever he can, including…
-- 45 minutes of jogging in the morning
-- Pushups (100 reps)
-- Sit ups (100 reps)
-- Swimming
Idris has also been into kickboxing for six years. When he can, he hits the dojo two or three times a week.
“I’m not really allowed to do it while I’m working because it’s considered too dangerous,” he says. “Film producers get very nervous.”
Idris focuses on drills broken down into three-minute rounds, where he works through high and low kicks, combos, and light sparring. After that, he does leg raises for his core.
“That’s ab work like you’ve never had it,” he says. “It’s rough.”
Another connection to health extends outside of his body, but closer to his roots. Idris was raised in East London by his mother, who was from Ghana, and his father, who was from Sierra Leone. In a recent interview, the star admitted that he’s a little ashamed that he’s never visited either country.

To read more on Idris Elba's workout tips, check out BlackDoctor.org.

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