The secret is officially out. François Arnaud has pulled back the curtain on his dramatic physical transformation for the global phenomenon Heated Rivalry, and the details are making waves across fitness circles.
The 40-year-old Canadian actor recently stopped by the Men’s Health Fitness Hub to demonstrate (watch the video below) the exact workout routine that helped him embody Scott Hunter, the American hockey captain who’s captured hearts worldwide. But this wasn’t just about looking good—it was about becoming someone completely different.
From Book Nerd to Hockey Stud
Arnaud’s transformation journey started with a mindset shift that surprised even him. “For the longest time I think I was afraid of working out too much, and now, this year in particular, my whole outlook on it has changed,” he explained during the interview.
His goal? “I want to look like I’ve never read a book.”
That brutally honest admission perfectly captures the commitment required to portray a professional athlete. After all, hockey players aren’t exactly known for hitting the library between games.
The Full Body Approach
Unlike bodybuilders who split their routines across different days, François Arnaud opted for a comprehensive full-body workout strategy. His routine hits every major muscle group in a single session, making it both efficient and effective.
The workout begins with dynamic warm-ups, including arm circles and sun salutations, before transitioning into the World’s Greatest Stretch. Then comes the real work.
For abs, Arnaud swears by leg lifts. “I’ve found that for my body type it’s the only thing that makes a difference,” he revealed. “I try to keep my legs close together without bending them.”
Keeping It Simple
When it comes to back development, pull-ups reign supreme in Arnaud’s regimen. “I try to go nice and wide and try not to go too high because I get super tense,” he explained. “I do three sets of 10.”
His arm training philosophy? Strip away the complexity. Cable tricep pressdowns target the triceps with 8-10 reps, while classic bicep curls round out the upper-body work. “I keep it real simple,” Arnaud noted about his bicep approach.
The Cardio Connection
Beyond the gym, Arnaud’s workout includes an impressive running regimen. He racks up the distance equivalent of a full marathon every week across multiple runs. That’s roughly 26 miles of pavement pounding to maintain his cardiovascular conditioning and lean physique.
But perhaps the most challenging aspect wasn’t the gym or the roads—it was the ice. Arnaud and his castmates learned to skate from former pro player and current stunt coordinator Cam Fergus. “I knew I was never going to have the thighs of a professional hockey player, because they have tree trunks, but I sure did try,” he admitted.
The Results Speak Volumes
The transformation paid off spectacularly. Heated Rivalry has become one of the biggest surprise hits in recent years, catapulting its stars to global fame. While the show focuses more on relationship-building than high-octane sports action, the actors’ authentic athletic appearances lend crucial credibility to their roles.
Arnaud’s dedication extended right through the final scene—literally. He slipped on the ice during filming and sliced open his hand, a battle scar that proves his commitment to authenticity.
You can watch the complete workout video from Men’s Health below, giving fans and fitness enthusiasts alike a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to become a believable professional athlete on screen.
