Jake Gyllenhaal Says ‘Exercise Always Helped Me’

Jake Gyllenhaal’s continued physical fitness plays an important role in his overall health.

The 43-year-old Oscar-nominated actor will be featured in a new film in spring 2024. men’s health Digital cover story. In an in-depth interview, he spoke of his preparation for being “ridiculously fooled.” road house” – an upcoming film in which he plays former UFC fighter Elwood Dalton.

Gyllenhaal told the outlet why he believes training is an important part of any job he wants to do.

“No matter what’s going on in my day, no matter what’s going on in my life, exercise has always helped me get through in some way,” he said. men’s health.

“I always try to find roles that allow me to maintain my physical strength. That means not only valuing the research and intellectual effort, but also the physical part of acting… that I can do for a long time. I want to come.”

He added that he jumped at the opportunity after discussing the project with a friend. road house Director Doug Liman “doesn’t look like me.”

“I said, ‘I’m in. That sounds like the craziest idea.'” I remember being like, “Let’s do it!”where road house For me, a place to sit is a place of peace. “This movie fits right into the space where I’m just ‘having fun with my friends,'” Gyllenhaal said.

road house It is a remake of the 1989 film of the same name starring Patrick Swayze.

of southpaw Talent and the late actor co-starred in the 2001 sci-fi thriller donnie darko.

“I knew him to be one of the most generous and kind people I had ever met. He was just a funny and loving person and over the years we stayed in touch. ” Gyllenhaal said of Swayze, who died of pancreatic cancer in September 2009.

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He was 57 years old.

“If Patrick had been around, I would have talked to him about this. He’s a consummate artist and understood what that meant. I wish him the best. I want him to know that I have respect and love for him,” Gyllenhaal added.

The remake also stars MMA fighter Conor McGregor, making his first appearance in a movie.

Gyllenhaal said “there was an exchange of skills” in regards to working with professional fighters.

“It was so cool to bring both worlds together. In what world would you see me fight Conor McGregor? There’s no other world than a movie…I have to work the next day, so I’m not going to make a mistake. “I had to remind Connor before every take not to punch him in the face,” he joked.

And while there was a lot of exercise to do to compete as a mixed martial artist in front of the cameras, Gyllenhaal admitted he has a favorite cheat meal. “Vanilla cake with vanilla icing. Ideally it would be Yoshi Arefi’s recipe for Snack Cake.”

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE earlier this month, Gyllenhaal said it took “a village” to prepare for the role, including “incredible” trainer Jason Walsh, “amazing” chef Paulette Tejeda, and a nutritionist. said it was necessary.

road house It debuts on Prime Video on Thursday.