Hollywood PT Gunnar Peterson on how you can get a body like a celebrity

Gunnar Peterson – who’s trained the Kardashians, David Beckham and Sofia Vergara – tells Closer how you can get looking and feeling your best

Gunnar Peterson

by Lily Smith |
Updated on

They’re one of the most famous families in the world but the Kardashians are now just as known for their incredible bodies as they are for anything else.

And while some of it will no doubt be down to a cheeky nip and tuck here and there, Closer now speaks to one of the personal trainers who has helped them get those amazing abs and killer curves – Gunnar Peterson.

You may not have heard of Gunnar Peterson, but you’ll have heard of his client list – which includes Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Sofia Vergara and the Kardashian sisters.

Texan-born Gunnar, 60 – who owns a PT gym in Beverley Hills – worked closely with Khloe, training her five to six days a week for two and a half years to help her reach her fitness goals during her ‘Revenge Body’ era in 2017.

He has even trained Rebel Wilson, who has dominated headlines in recent years for her incredible five and a half stone weight loss.

And now Closer picks Gunnar’s brains on what it takes to be a PT to the A-listers and how you too can get in shape.

You’ve trained some of biggest Hollywood A-lister! What are the Kardashians like?

Everyone I have worked with in that family is a ten. Those girls’ work ethic is second to none. No one is ever late, and they are downright fun to be around. For me there is nothing better than being around driven people.

What are the Kardashians favourite exercises? What exercises would you recommend to get a body like theirs?

To get a body like that you have to have the rare combination of work ethic and consistency in the gym, good nutrition habits, focus on rest and recovery, and genetics.

Rebel Wilson has had an incredible transformation – what is the best way to achieve a transformation like hers?

Be consistent. Find something that works for you and be relentless in your pursuit. Walking, swimming, F45 classes, yoga, something you won’t skip, and build up to 4, 5 or 6 times a week. Rebel and I always keep the pace moving in the workouts. She was terrific on the ReaxRun treadmill which oscillates, inclines and declines and simulates a trail walk. She’s great.

What is Sofia Vergara like? She turned 50 this year – what exercises would you recommend for someone in their fifties to keep their body in shape?

Wow - happy birthday Sofia! The recommendation for someone aged 50 is the same as someone in their twenties, thirties and forties. The body may be a wee bit more forgiving but the rules never change. Find an outlet for your fitness that works with your lifestyle. Meditate if that helps, take classes like cycling or F45 which is very comprehensive from a strength and cardio standpoint, or pick up the sport you always wish you had played as a kid. We are all on the clock so let’s get it going.

What’s more important – weights or cardio?

It doesn’t matter. I'd rather you do 20 minutes a day, six or seven days a week, than two hour-long workouts. Or even worse: one, two hour workout. Especially as you age, you're just risking injury.

What superfoods would you recommend to build up muscle and get a great body?

Clean protein sources; egg white albumin, fish, chicken, beef - probably in that order. But ask your nutritionist - I don’t want to argue, I just want you to be successful.

What are three most important/quickest/easiest tips for making yourself more toned, leaner and stronger?

Lift weights, get quality sleep on a regular basis, eat foods in as close to their natural state as possible, moderate alcohol consumption, actively work at reducing stress, drink more water than you think you can.

You’re a big fan of F45. Why is F45 the best kind of workout?

Functional fitness means it translates to other aspects of your life-from loading groceries, to moving up the leaderboard at your tennis club, to keeping up with your toddler, to being more resistant to injury and illness. Everyone wins.

Exercise is the cornerstone of wellness in my opinion. It sets the table for good choices in the rest of your life. It’s the best way to prime your body AND your mind for improvement. Gyms that offer comprehensive programming to a wide demographic are the future. Inclusion not exclusion wins the day.

How did you get involved with F45?

F45 does what I do but on a larger scale and with way better technology! I love it-hand in glove! That’s what drew me in! The workouts are efficient, realistic, and well planned out from micro to macro level. Easy to progress, and easy to regress when needed.

I’d recommend finding out where your nearest F45 is and giving it a try today.

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