Want to train like Hollywood’s biggest stars and elite athletes? Gunnar Peterson, the former Director of Strength and Endurance Training for the LA Lakers, has coached some of the most well-known names in entertainment and sports, including Hugh Jackman, Matthew McConaughey, and the Kardashian family. He has shared a quick and efficient workout that you can do at home to build strength, endurance, and mobility.
Peterson’s training is built on smart programming, science-backed methods, and hard work. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or just looking to level up your fitness, his approach can deliver real results. Let’s take a closer look at his method and workout steps.
Gunnar Peterson’s training philosophy
Peterson focuses on a combination of strength and cardiovascular fitness. Every workout is designed to improve movement, prevent injuries, and build a strong, balanced body. “The goal is to get [my clients] where they want to go, from a performance standpoint and of course from an aesthetics standpoint”, he says. His workouts incorporate different types of exercises to create a well-rounded fitness program.
One of the key elements of his method is training in multiple planes of motion. That means not just forward and backward movements but also side-to-side and rotational exercises to ensure total-body strength and agility. His workouts target the core, upper body, and lower body while integrating functional movements to improve daily activities and athletic performance.
The 20-minute home workout
Peterson’s training proves you don’t need a fancy Hollywood gym to train like the stars. His home-friendly routine hits all the major muscle groups and keeps you moving efficiently. Complete the following exercises in a circuit, resting only as needed, to get the best results. Repeat each exercise for three rounds.
- Farmer’s walk with shoulder shrugs: Grab a pair of dumbbells and walk for 30 seconds. Every four steps, shrug your shoulders up and hold for a second before lowering.
- Bodyweight or dumbbell squats: Perform 10 reps. For an extra challenge, hold a dumbbell at chest level.
- Lateral lunge with chop: Step to the side into a lunge, bringing a dumbbell or household object diagonally across your body. Perform 10 reps per side.
- Traveling pull-ups: If you have a pull-up bar, move side to side while pulling up. No bar? Do bent-over rows with dumbbells instead. Do 6 to 8 reps.
- Dumbbell push press: Hold a pair of dumbbells at shoulder height. Dip your knees slightly, then press the weights overhead. Perform 4 to 6 reps.
- Plank with shoulder taps: Hold a plank position and tap your opposite shoulder with one hand at a time. Continue for 30 to 45 seconds.
- High-intensity cardio (30 seconds on, 30 seconds off): Pick your favorite cardio exercise: jump rope, running in place, burpees, or mountain climbers. Repeat for a total of 6 to 8 minutes.
Train smart, train hard
This quick, effective workout follows the same principles Peterson uses with top-tier athletes and celebrities. By focusing on functional movements, strength training, and heart-pumping cardio, you’ll build a balanced body without spending hours in the gym. Commit to this 20-minute routine a few times a week and you’ll be training and advancing like the pros in no time.