What It’s Like to Train a Celebrity -by Steve Ramsbottom
(Hint: It’s Not That Different)

A question I often get is:

“What was it like to work with Hugh Jackman?”

Short answer?

Hugh rocks.

He’s incredibly hard working, as committed as anyone I’ve ever trained, rarely misses a workout, and—most importantly—he’s just a genuinely great human.

I’ve been fortunate to work with some amazing people over the years, including Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, David Duchovny, Jessica Alba, Blake Lively, and Tia Chisholm.

And while working with celebrities can be exciting, here’s the truth:

They’re Not That Different From You

Whether it’s someone preparing for a film role or one of our amazing PI clients walking through the door, the process doesn’t change.

We:

• Assess
• Learn who we’re working with
• Understand their goals

Is it:

• General fitness?
• Rehab?
• Performance?
• Or is there a tight deadline for a specific look or role?

Yes—there can be more pressure in the celebrity world to get results quickly.

But the fundamentals don’t change.

You still need:

• A plan
• Progression
• Consistency

Intensity matters. Consistency matters more.

Great Coaching Is Great Coaching

Some clients are ultra-driven.

Others need a bit more guidance and motivation.

That’s true whether you’re on a movie set or on the gym floor.

Sometimes you have access to incredible facilities. Other times, you’re working out of a hotel gym or a trailer and getting creative with what you’ve got.

The job stays the same:

• Be prepared
• Be efficient
• Keep it simple and effective
• Know when to bring in other professionals (physio, chiro, nutrition)

And one rule always stands:

It’s never about the trainer—it’s about the client.

The First Session Matters

With celebrities, timelines are often tight.

You may only have a short window to:

• Understand their schedule
• Assess movement and injury history
• Align on expectations and goals

You need to be:

• Thorough—but quick
• Professional—but approachable
• Knowledgeable—but not overwhelming

And honestly?

That’s no different than what we aim to do every day with our clients at PI.

Why It Means So Much

Here’s what I love most about coaching:

Celebrities often train to prepare for a role.

Our clients train for their lives.

To:

• Move better
• Feel stronger
• Have more energy
• Stay active with their kids
• Build confidence

That’s what makes it special.

We don’t take that lightly.

Being part of someone’s journey—helping guide, support, and challenge them—is something we truly value.

So yes, working with celebrities is a great experience.

But at the end of the day?

Our PI clients are just as committed, just as inspiring—and just as fun to coach.


Whether you’re preparing for something big—or just want to feel better in your day-to-day life—the approach is the same: good coaching, consistency, and a plan that fits you.

If that sounds like what you’re looking for, reach out to us at Performance Institute.
👉 Book your assessment with Performance Institute today.

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