O Canada!
Lights, camera, action – Canada’s vibrant entertainment industry isn’t just about delivering stellar performances on screen; it’s also a showcase of incredible dedication to fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. From the rugged landscapes of the Rockies to the bustling streets of Toronto, Canadian actors and actresses are setting the bar high when it comes to holistic health. In this exploration, we delve into the lives of these luminaries, uncovering their secrets to physical prowess, nutritional excellence, and mental fortitude.
Houston’s Fitness Czar Samir Becic has this to say of these fit Canadians “Congratulations to all the remarkable individuals who made this list. Thank you for being amazing role models, especially to the younger generation.”
But wait, there’s more to this tale than just bulging biceps and flawless physiques. Beyond the red carpet glamor lies a deeper narrative – one that highlights the profound connection between mind, body, and craft. So, join us as we unravel the stories of Canada’s fittest stars, where sweat meets stardom, and resilience takes center stage. It’s time to discover the true powerhouses of the Great White North, where fitness isn’t just a routine, but a way of life.
Here are the Top 15 Fittest Canadian Actors and Actresses of 2024, in alphabetical order:
Malin Ackerman
Fitness:
- Malin says her fitness routine is usually relaxing and that she mainly focuses on exercising when it comes close to her filming time.
- She enjoys using Obe Fitness, a training app that has everything ranging from yoga, pilates, cardio, boxing, dancing, etc
- She also likes to stretch every day and often goes hiking.
Nutrition:
- Malin says that fueling yourself with food is the most important part of the day.
- For breakfast she likes to have green smoothies, eggs and oatmeal.
- When it comes to lunch and dinner she aims to get in all her protein needed.
- For lunch she typically eats a salad with protein and for dinner she likes to have fish, vegetables and brown rice / quinoa.
Mental Health:
- Malin believes that being realistic with your goals is important and reduces stress, setting unrealistic goals begins to cause stress and decrease’s one’s motivation.
- Malin also takes a meditation course and enjoys going outside for fresh air.Â
- Advocates for mental health by working with On Our Sleeves, an organization that helps families talk about mental health.
- Getting more honest has strengthened her relationships with friends and family and has helped her with her mental health.
Pamela Anderson
Fitness:
- Pamela likes to do high intensity weight training combined with cardio. her cardio includes yoga, kickboxing, jump roping, and the elliptical.
- Her 5-day workout split focuses on a different body part each day. For example, Mondays: legs 7 glutes, Tuesdays: upper body, Wednesday: abs & lower back, Thursday: glues & calves, and Friday: upper body.
Nutrition:
- Pamela is a vegan! Since her change, she noticed a difference in her energy levels, gut health, and overall health.
- Anderson indulges in intermittent fasting. She only eats between the hours of 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. This helps her feel energized and disciplined.
- Pamela has a doctor in Los Angeles that created a vitamin regimen for her. She takes supplements everyday and has seen a notable difference.
- As of recent, Anderson has been trying to limit her intake of coffee and increase her tea intake. water is a major part of her routine, as she tries to drink a gallon a day.
Mental Health:
- Anderson is the definition of resiliency in the face of adversity. Through Anderson’s many traumatic events, the protection of her mental health became a pinnacle importance in her everyday life.
- She likes to go to the beach, as it provides comfort and a sense of nostalgia. She has stated that it is her safe space.
- Yoga has been proven to clear the mind and help destress. She does yoga to clear her mind and start the day fresh.
- Spending time with her animals and writing has helped her cope and be grateful of life.
- Pamela Anderson has expressed self-reflection and empathy towards herself as she looks back on her past experiences and choices.
- She credits her current well-being to her two sons Brandon and Dylan. They are the reason she is able to keep moving forward, despite her difficult past.
Kim Cattrall
Fitness:
- Kim works out every other day doing cardiovascular exercise three or four times a week.
- When she is not doing her 3 mile jog she enjoys swimming.
Nutrition:
- Kim makes her main meal of the day lunch, not dinner, she says she gets better sleep on lighter meals.
- She currently enjoys doing the Perricone diet which focuses on not weight loss but reducing body inflammation.
- The diet consists of whole foods and omega 3 fatty acids.
Mental Health:
- Kim Cattrall sought help from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address her struggles with insomnia. Her therapist recommended using her bed solely for sleeping and sex, avoiding activities like reading or screen time in bed. This practice helped her manage her insomnia and improve her sleep quality.
- Cattrall emphasized the importance of being gentle with oneself and practicing self-care. During a monastic experience over Christmas, she focused on delving into her past and gaining new perspectives.
Elisha Cuthbert
Fitness:
- Elisha focuses mainly on cardio within her workout.
- She says instead of the gym she likes doing outdoor activities such as walking, running, biking, etc.
Nutrition:
- Elisha focuses on eating low calorie foods but also does not restrain herself.
- As a cheat snack she says she enjoys eating chocolates.
Mental Health:
- She likes to do activities that keep her active and her mind running.
- Elisha has emphasized the importance of self-care and setting boundaries in her life. She has spoken about the need to prioritize her own well-being and mental health, especially in the demanding and often stressful entertainment industry.
- She values seeking support from loved ones and professionals. She has mentioned the importance of having a strong support system and seeking therapy or counseling when needed.Â
- She spends a lot of her time supporting causes like the Special Olympics PEI. Elisha even helped to host a virtual 5k to help raise money for the Special Olympics PEI.
- Elisha enjoys spending time with her family, and her dog Pearl.
Nina Dobrev
Fitness:
- Growing up Nina did gymnastics and ballet which causes her to be so flexible.
- Currently she tries to workout at least 5 times a day.
- These workouts range from strength training, yoga, cardio, and HIIT.
Nutrition:
- For breakfast Nina enjoys drinking a smoothie filled with greens with either french toast or pancakes on the side.
- For lunch she typically eats a salad with grilled salmon, lemon and avocados.
- For dinners she usually has to order take out food due to her being on set, her favorite is a Harvest Bowl that consists of vegetables, fruits, and nuts.
Mental Health:
- Nina likes to practice self love and positivity before bed.
- As an advocate for hot yoga, Nina has partnered with Reebok in order to share how working out can be used as a way to practice self-care and empowerment with her best friends.
- Nina surrounds herself with good friends and family, which makes her a better person and it makes her want to do more in my life.
- Yoga has also taught Nina how to breathe and slow her heart rate down when she is in stressful situations.
Ryan Gosling
Fitness:
- Ryan makes it a priority to go to the gym 5 times a week, with an hour and a half workout sessions.
- He works out his abs and core, shoulders, back, lower body, and chest.
- His trainer also has begun to incorporate pilates into his workouts which helps with strength and flexibility.
- On his rest days he enjoys playing basketball and hiking with his friends.
Nutrition:
- Ryan follows a very nutritious diet in order to stay in shape for his films.
- His typical diet consists of fish, vegetables, rice and protein shakes.
- Ryan usually begins eating at 11 AM and stops eating at 7 PM, this type of intermittent fastings helps him stay lean.
Mental Health:
- Ryan says to always keep in mind that short cuts is an easy way out which will not show results wanted, this helps him stay motivated on his fitness journey.
- Ryan’s roles have prompted his audience to engage with complex mental states, and he fosters empathy and understanding for those who may experience hardships with mental health issues.
- He is also an advocate for the Child Mind Institute, an organization dedicated to children’s mental health research and awareness.
Simu Liu
Fitness
- Simu dedicates lots of time to going to the gym, he likes to do a mixture of different activities rather than sticking to the same routine.
- These include martial arts, HIIT training and weight lifting.
- This helps him keep his build and muscle weight up.
Nutrition:
- Simu follows a low/low/high-carb 12 hour fasting diet.
- His breakfast consists of egg whites, organic eggs, avocados and greens.
- For lunch he likes chicken, turkey, greens, stir fry, salad and rice.
- Lastly for dinner Simu eats salmon, greens, and stir fry.
Mental Health:
- Simu likes doing other activities in his free time such as scuba diving and playing sports with his friends, he says he doesn’t live for the gym, these activities help clear his mind.
- With his newfound rise to stardom, Simu Liu had to learn how to prioritize his mental health.
- Thanks to self-care, Simu has begun to see himself as a better person and as a good and decent man.
- Simu now goes to therapy regularly to address any mental health issues he faces as an actor.
Rachel McAdams
Fitness:
- Rachel exercises with a personal trainer and also does other activities in her free time.
- She enjoys incorporating biking and yoga into her daily routine.
- Her trainer has her following a HIIT workout which consists of push ups, lunges, squats, burpees, etc.
Nutrition:
- Rachel’s trainer has all her clients follow a certain diet.
- She eats low fat / carb food and intermittent fasting, her trainers says if she wants complex carbs to only eat them in the morning.
- This helps Rachel see results and keep her shape.
Mental Health:
- Rachel encourages others to not be hard on themselves, for example her step back from filming was a break she said was well needed, which helped her clear her mind and relax.
- Rachel took time in between big roles in order to go back home to Canada and work on her personality and what she needed to stay sane.
- As a mom, she feels more emotionally raw. She is able to become more sensitive and more open with her child and others.
- McAdams’ decision to take a break from acting indicates a commitment to self-care. By prioritizing her mental health, she demonstrated an understanding of the need to address personal well-being and avoid burnout.
- During her hiatus, McAdams used the time to explore her interests outside of work and prioritize her relationships.Â
Shay Mitchell
Fitness:
- Shay gets her workouts in with her personal trainer who has her doing workouts such as HIIT, yoga sculpting, and weight training.
- Her trainer is a big believer in progressive overload and at least fitting 5 minutes into your day finding a way to be active.
Nutrition:
- Shay’s trainers also have her on a diet that prioritizes whole foods but also allows her to be flexible, allowing her to periodically eat foods she enjoys.
- She typically eats meat, veggies, avocado, nuts, rice, fruit, etc.
- Shay also focuses on getting in her protein and carbohydrates.
Mental Health:
- Shay likes to give herself rest days to clear her mind by stretching and practicing yoga.
- Mitchell’s openness about her experiences with prepartum depression suggests the importance of educating oneself about mental health. By sharing her own experiences, she aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and create a safe space for others to discuss their struggles.
- Mitchell emphasized the importance of seeking professional help and treatment for mental health issues. This may involve consulting with a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist who can provide guidance, support, and appropriate interventions.
- She has mentioned the significance of having a good circle of friends, family, and a supportive partner who can listen and provide emotional support during challenging times
- Shay enjoys taking “Shaycations”, where she goes on excursions that change her, teach her something new about herself, and alter her perspective on life.
- Shay has been able to turn to acts of self-care in order to help her alleviate some of the stressors and anxiety she faces from filming certain roles.
Annie Murphy
Fitness Routine:
- Annie Murphy, known for her role on “Schitt’s Creek”, does not utilize a gym to stay in shape.
- She works out at home with her husband almost everyday.
- Annie usually uses a Youtube video in order to get her workout in when she is on the road.
- She also picked up Peloton riding, and this allows her to get her workout routine in at home.
Nutrition:
- Annie has a healthy diet, consisting of more liquids than solid food.
- She drinks a lot of water throughout the day to keep her hydrated.
- She eats foods like rice, chicken breast, turkey, salads, kale, hemp hearts, soup, and eggs.
Mental Health Practices:
- Murphy deals with stress by taking care of herself.
- She also goes to therapy and relies on her family and friends to help her deal with mental health issues she may face.
- She also tries to give her brain as many breaks as possible.
- Annie takes antidepressants in order to help her with her mental health issues as well. She hopes to help alleviate the stigma around medication.
Keanu Reeves
Fitness:
- Keanu focuses on staying in shape and working out consistently to help prepare him for films.
- He workouts out with his personal trainer, these workouts consist of lunges, cable steps, push-ups, etc.
- He also ends his workouts with a cold ice bath to help with soreness and fast recovery.
Nutrition:
- Keanu sticks to a whole foods diet to keep his lean, in fit shape.
- His diet consists of foods such as chicken, beef, lamb, fish, oats, brown rice, fruits and vegetables.
- He also lets himself have cheat meals as long as it meets his required amount of macros.
Mental Health:
- Keanu has gone through a lot of hardships in his life, but he does not use them as an excuse to be bitter or sad in life.
- Keanu goes to therapy in order to keep his mental health sound.
- He is sure to use his compassionate nature to not only be a good person for others, but it also allows him to stay sane and be a good person for himself.
Ryan Reynolds
Fitness:
- Ryan works out with his personal trainer Don Saladino, working out 6 days a week.
- He likes to target different parts of the body by separating his workouts into different days, for example one day dedicated to arms, legs, chest, back, etc.
- He does workouts such as HIIT, cardio, biking, etc.
Nutrition:
- Ryan follows a strict 3,200 calorie daily diet.
- He focuses on eating 6 meals a day, getting in his protein and allowing himself to have cheat meals.
- Ryan enjoys eating foods such as oats, fruits, vegetables, brown rice, etc.
Mental Health:
- Reynolds struggles with anxiety, and it helps that he is able to de-stigmatize things and create a conversation around mental health.
- He has his own rituals of things that help him stay grounded and keep his mind from spinning out of control.
- Ryan also utilizes meditation to take time for himself. This allows him to be more aware of when he is getting anxious, and it allows him to manage his emotions better.
Sandra Oh
Fitness:
- Sandra does several work outs such as jump rope, treadmill, biking, plyometrics, planking and core training.
- These workout classes are daily and easily lasting for about an hour.
- This helps her keep her shape along with following her diet.
Nutrition:
- For breakfast she likes to have a cup of coffee, toast, avocado, and egg.
- For lunch she enjoys Korean mung bean pancake.
- Her dinner consists of chicken, roasted vegetables, and pasta.
Mental Health:
- As Sandra became more aware of her level of stardom, it was harder for her to stay true to herself.
- In order to help her cope with this, she went to a mental health professional.
- Mental health is very important to Sandra, for she tries her best to stay grounded in all that she does.
Tatiana Maslany
Fitness:
- Tatiana enjoys activities such as biking, rollerblading and dancing.
- She also trains 3-5 times a week doing workouts such as cardio, circuit, and core.
- These include burpees, box jumps, mountain climbers, lunges, planks, etc.
Nutrition:
- There are not many interviews where Tatiana highlights her diet as she is known to stay to herself.
Mental Health:
- She enjoys self care days such as going to the spa and getting massages.
Anna Paquin
Fitness:
- Anna does different activities to stay in shape ranging from swimming, biking, running, boxing, core fusion, pilates, etc.
- She mainly focuses on targeting her abs, core and butt by doing workouts such as box jumping, leg kickbacks, lunges, weights, etc.
Nutrition:
- Anna focuses on eliminating fast foods and eating more of home cooked meals.
- She enjoys eating lots of fruits and vegetables, staying away from deserts.
Mental Health:
- Anna has had some health issues, but she does not let that stop her from living her life to the fullest.
- With the support of her loving husband, Stephen Moyer, she is able to overcome any of the mental health issues she struggles with.
- She also keeps her life essentially private. This allows her to block out any comments or posts that could make her overthink.
Honorary Mention:
William Shatner
Fitness:
- He’s an accomplished equestrian competitor—most recently in reining. He’s also bred and trained American Quarter Horses and American Saddlebreds and owns a large farm near Versailles, Kentucky, “Belle Reve.”
- When he’s not working, he rides horses 3 times a week, 2-3 hours at a time
- Swims at home in his pool
- Jogs in place for 30 mins in his pool
- Went to space in 2021. Then 90 years old, Shatner became the oldest living person to travel into space
Nutrition:
- William enjoys eating vegetables, fruit and fish. Says he does like meat, but tries to stay away from fried foods.
Mental Health:
- Meditates, works out, and practices the old adage of staying in the moment one day at a time.
- William lives a life full of happiness and longevity. He makes sure to stay healthy both physically and mentally.
- He makes sure to get plenty of sleep, spend time with his family and friends, and keeps his energy in balance. These things together have allowed him to continue to add many years to his life.