Having just starred in the long-awaited Top Gun sequel (no less than 36 years after the original) and with the seventh Mission Impossible film slated for release in 2023, Tom Cruise is certainly not taking his foot off the pedal as he enters his 60s.
Ever the action hero, Cruise is still performing death-defying feats on the big screen, bringing in the big bucks at the box office, and looking suave on the red carpet.
But how does he do it? To mark Tom Cruise’s 60th birthday (July 3), we take a look at all the ways the A-list actor maintains his impressive physical and mental health…
A varied exercise regime
Cruise is a fitness fanatic, and has said he travels with a gym to every set – something he calls the ‘pain cave’. In addition to weighted workouts and hitting the treadmill, he incorporates a variety of pursuits into his fitness routine – such as sea-kayaking, caving and fencing.
Mixing up your workouts means you use more muscle groups, and can also improve your coordination – while adventurous sports can result in a powerful adrenaline and endorphin rush.
Doing his own stunts
As well as enjoying adrenaline-fueled activities in his downtime, Cruise famously performs all his own stunts on-screen.
From scaling the world’s tallest building – the Burj Khalifa in Dubai – and flinging himself out of planes, to underwater stunts and sword fighting scenes, these epic endeavours take Cruise’s fitness regime to a whole new level.
Learning new skills
Not only do the actor’s film roles keep him physically fit, but it seems like he takes any opportunity to learn new skills and stay mentally agile.
Marshall Herskovitz, producer on The Last Samurai, told LiveAbout how Cruise readied himself for his starring role: “Tom threw himself wholeheartedly into the preparation. I’ve never seen an actor do as much research for a film. He had a library of information and was amazingly helpful.”
When The Late Late Show host James Corden asked the actor how many licences he possesses, Cruise said: “I have airplanes, commercial licence, jets, a bunch of different airplanes, motorcycles, parachutes, boats.”
Low-carb diet
It was rumoured in 2020 that Cruise had adopted a low-calorie, low-carb diet devised by his ultra-fit pal David Beckham, allegedly restricting himself to 1,200 calories a day in a bid to stay trim.
In 2018, the actor told James Corden about the clever cake-gifting technique he uses to cope with his cravings. “I love sugar, but I can’t eat it because when I’m training, I’m doing all these movies — so I send it to everyone,” he said on The Late Late Show.
Determination
Famous for his unparalleled work ethic, Cruise isn’t easily deterred by anything life throws at him.
He said in an interview with Men’s Health: “I don’t invalidate it when I can’t do something… I say, ‘That’s interesting’ and go with it. It’s from there you get your energy.”
Whether it’s a sporting activity, learning a language or taking up a new hobby, having grit and determination means you could be more likely to achieve your goals, and reap the mental and physical rewards.