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Star of Never Back Down, Sean Faris impressed audiences with his physique and mixed martial arts skills enough to snag himself an MTV Movie Award for best fight in 2008. In fact, he packed on 15 lbs. of muscle for the role.

But the ripped 27-year-old isn’t stingy when it comes to sharing his workout secrets with Men’s Health. He claims, “You don’t have to kill yourself.” Faris encourages those looking to start a fitness routine to start small. He adds, “When you’ve reached your goals, reset them and make them harder.”

And Faris makes sure to keep his body in tip-top shape for his upcoming role in Vampire Diaries on the CW.  He’ll be playing “a sexy bartender named Ben.” And since it’s the CW, you know he’ll have to go shirtless at least one episode during his stint.

Gallery Info: Sean Faris goes shirtless for Men’s Health.