Healthy Hollywood: Wellness Wednesday – Ryan Gosling’s Fighting Spirit!

When Ryan Gosling peeled off his shirt in “Crazy Stupid Love,” women worldwide let out a collective gasp. Now, the guy who many say was robbed of People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive title, is about to get even hotter.

Yup! Ladies – get the oxygen tanks ready! The 31-year-old actor is working hard to get his body in fighting shape for his upcoming action film, “Only God Forgives.”

So, what is his preferred workout? Muay Thai – also known as the Thai version of boxing. The actor is training up to two hours a day, four days a week. “It’s sparring basically. They don’t really use weights,” Gosling has said about his rigorous Muay Thai training, adding, “It’s very hard. They have people training around me and they could all beat me up.”

Muay Thai is known as the art of eight limbs, because this combat sport has “8” points of contact. It makes use of punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes, unlike boxing which only uses fists. Muay Thai’s attacks demand intense core strength. Plus, it’s a vigorous full body workout.

Men’s Health gives kudos to Ryan’s fine shape. The magazine ranked him as one of this summer’s hottest bodies. Men’s Health editor, Clint Carter stopped by Access Hollywood Live to show Billy Bush and Kit Hoover a few moves. And, also gave a few pointers to Healthy Hollywood.

“For punches, if you’re right-handed, you’re going to point your left foot at your opponent and drop your right foot slightly behind. In this stance, a left punch is called a “jab” and a right is a “cross.” A simple combo goes like this: left jab, right cross, and then a big left hook that cuts horizontal in front of your body,” advises Clint.

To try a kick, Clint reveals, “Begin a right kick by first turning your left foot slightly outward. As you swing your right leg up, pivot on the ball of your left foot and throw your right hand downward to maximize power. Keep you left glove in front of your face as you spin on your left foot.”

If interested to learn Muay Thai, Healthy Hollywood suggests investing in a few lessons and search around for a class in your neighborhood.

For more on Men’s Health and their pick for this summer’s hottest bodies, check out www.menshealth.com