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Ever wonder what it takes to build a body like Hudson Williams? When the actor behind Heated Rivalry visited Men's Health HQ (https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69989229/hudson-williams-heated-rivalry-workout/), he didn't just share his intense, full-body workout routine – he gave us a peek into his mindset. And let's just say, it's as powerful as his physique! The 24-year-old Canadian actor is definitely having a moment, and he punctuated his workout with some truly memorable quotes – like his thoughts on finishing every single set of his chest routine.
"I'm a selfish hog," he declared in a moment ripe for screenshots. But here's where it gets controversial... Is that the kind of dedication we should all aspire to, or is there a line between commitment and obsession? What do you think?
Good news! We've got even more exclusive footage of Williams that wasn't in the original clip, and we're sharing it with our MH MVP Premium members. Williams dives deeper into topics like his experiences filming hockey scenes, the sports icons who inspired his character Shane Hollander, and his message for anyone intimidated by the gym. And this is the part most people miss... he even shows off a very unique way to clap with one hand. Trust us, you'll want to see it.
More Heated Rivalry Moments from Hudson Williams:
On His Hockey Experience:
"As soon as I got those hockey pads on, I was going so fast, I was falling. But I felt like a Ninja Turtle, because you can't hurt yourself. I shouldn't say that—I never hurt myself, because the pads were just so cushy."
He jokes, "Yeah, you play a cushy sport, hockey players. No, I'm gonna get killed. I take that back." This lighthearted moment highlights a common debate: Are hockey players truly tough, or are they overly protected by their gear? Let us know your thoughts below!
Hudson Williams Loves His (and Everyone Else's) Stretch Marks:
"I always thought stretch marks—I call them like, tiger stripes—I've always appreciated them on women, men. One of my friends who was like my workout buddies for a long time, no matter where he worked out, whether he lost weight or gained weight, he would get them very quickly. So he had them on his chest, thighs, and I always thought they looked really cool. A lot of fitness, health can come in different shapes and sizes. So yeah, I'm happy for my my dimples and my ass stretch marks. I like them."
Williams' embrace of body positivity is refreshing. He reminds us that fitness isn't just about aesthetics; it's about health and self-acceptance, regardless of "tiger stripes" or dimples. But here's a thought: In a world saturated with filtered images, is it truly radical to embrace natural imperfections, or is it simply becoming the new norm?
On His Hockey Inspiration and Mamba Mentality:
"I took a lot of inspiration from [Sidney] Crosby and Connor McDavid. Those are two guys who are not the most sociable seeming fellas, but they just seem kind as hell, true Canadians... they're just good guys. They're a little bit robotic, not the most charming—but they seem like the best teammates, and they really just eat and breathe one thing, and that's hockey."
He adds, "[I was] also [inspired] a little bit of Kobe, just in terms of his mentality and his sort of, like hyper-driven focus. I wanted Shane [Hollander] to feel like he could turn into this sort of madman on the ice, even though there wasn't too much we saw on the ice."
Williams draws inspiration from both humble, dedicated players and the intense "Mamba Mentality" of Kobe Bryant. This combination suggests that success requires both unwavering focus and strong teamwork. But is it possible to balance these seemingly opposing forces? Can you be both a fiercely independent competitor and a supportive teammate?
What Hudson Williams Wants Gym-Cautious People to Know:
"I would tell someone who maybe hasn't gymed before and they want to get into it, maybe they find it intimidating—all the people with sauciest muscles and the biggest thighs, they just want to see you there. They don't care where you're coming from. Gym people are happy to be there, happy to see you just show up. So there's no wrong time to start. Whatever gym you can show up, I'm sure people will take you in lovingly and supportively."
Williams' message is clear: the gym is a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of their fitness level. He dispels the myth of the judgmental gym crowd, emphasizing the supportive community that often exists. But is this always the case? Have you ever experienced gym intimidation, or have you found the community to be genuinely supportive? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Brett Williams, NASM-CPT, PES, a senior editor at Men's Health, is a certified trainer and former pro football player and tech reporter. You can find his work elsewhere at Mashable, Thrillist, and other outlets.
