How The Last Kingdom's Alexander Dreymon Stays Ripped For All Those Shirtless Scenes

If you've ever wondered why Viking, Norse, and Saxon-adjacent storylines keep popping up in entertainment like a virulent case of bed bugs that just won't die, it's because they possess some evergreen story elements that are universally loved across time and demographics. For starters, these stories are a synergistic combination of the male power fantasy and white male lead tropes. There's even a feminist appeal since so many of these stories (like Lagertha in "Vikings") provide equal opportunity for female characters to join in on the pillaging and war. Oh, and also: almost everybody in these shows is smoking hot.

Sometimes it's fun to engage in those power fantasies and watch pretty people wage bloody wars, smolder at each other between battle scenes, and worship the old gods. But looking that good shirtless isn't easy, which is something Alexander Dreymon of "The Last Kingdom" has to work at just like any other mortal man. Unlike the rumored CGI abs in "300," Dreymon's washboard stomach is undeniably the real thing. And he sticks to a very specific diet and exercise regimen in order to stay shredded for the cameras and play the role of the brutal warrior, Uhtred.

The more physically active you are, the easier it will be to get into and stay in the type of shape that keeps your abs camera ready at all times. In a recent interview with Muscle & Fitness Magazine, Alexander Dreymon went into detail about all the ways he likes to stay active. Some of those fun activities include high-intensity workouts like jiu-jitsu, weightlifting, horseback riding, and sword fighting. He was also inspired by the 1998 World's Strongest Man Magnus Samuelsson, who guest starred on the show in Season 2 and adheres very strongly to a mind-over-matter philosophy. 

As good as physical activity is, though, you can't out-exercise a bad diet. Most "bro-science" fitness experts are happy to explain (whether you ask them to or not) how 80% of abs are sculpted in the kitchen. Dreymon isn't super strict with his own diet, but he generally makes more healthy choices than not. "I have a natural [sic] high metabolism, so I'm one of those types that people hate," the German actor explained. "But I am drawn to foods that happen to be healthy — vegetables, salads, fish. I think the closer it is to being alive, the better it must be for you."

So, there you have it! Hop on your horse, ride to the nearest gym, text your World's Strongest Man buddy to come spot you, and you'll be ready to roam the streets shirtless in no time. Of course, if you don't have all of those resources available to you, replacing one or two fast food meals per week with a salmon and broccoli dinner could at least be a healthy start.