An unlikely poster boy for meditation, Wolverine star Hugh Jackman revealed in the latest issue of Men's Health that meditation "changed his life." The August issue of the magazine features a world exclusive on his workout (and some mighty fine muscles he has too).
Talking about the gruelling training involved to shape up for the film, he said: "The bottom line is you’ve got to train until you want to throw up and you have to eat until you want to throw up. And that’s pretty much it.”
Meditation may play a role in the mindful attitude he takes to working out. He added: “Over the years I’ve really got to know my body. I know what it takes to get ready, I know how long it’s going to take to get there and I know what I need to eat. I’ve really adjusted my diet and narrowed it down to the least painful way for me.”
Looking fit comes at a price however, as his diet involved eating one piece of steak a day and was so off-putting towards the end, that he's thinking of becoming a vegan. “I eat one steak a day minimum. Now I don’t know any doctors recommending a 12oz steak every day. I’m pretty sure that’s not good."
The star has been very open about relaxation and meditation, which has become a fundamental part of his wellbeing over the last 20 years. He said: "I practise different strains of meditation and its really changed my life. It is not a religious thing.”
This isn't the first time the actor has spoken about it - he explained in an interview to Oprah:
"In meditation, I can let go of everything. I'm not Hugh Jackman. I'm not a dad. I'm not a husband. I'm just dipping into that powerful source that creates everything. I take a little bath in it."
Transcendental meditation has also featured in Hugh's life, and he uses it to give himself space in an otherwise busy life. He says: "Nothing has ever opened my eyes like transcendental meditation has. It makes me calm and happy, and, well, it gives me some peace and quiet in what’s a pretty chaotic life!"
What is transcendental meditation?
It is a simple, natural, effortless procedure involving a sound or a mantra, and is practiced 20 minutes twice each day while sitting comfortably with the eyes closed.