By No one likes to work out more than The Rock (OK, maybe Mark Wahlberg…), so it’s no surprise that Dwayne Johnson would want a place to work out wherever he ends up around the world. But unlike us mere mortals who would have to find a local Planet Fitness, The Rock brings the gym to him.
Currently filming Fast & Furious spin-off Hobbs & Shaw in London, he has moved into a very plush pad in Richmond, Surrey which so happens to be the former residence of ex-power couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.
The incredible home sits within beautiful acres of grounds and its famous tenants have also included the likes of Elton John and Fergie. Clearly, this place is not too shabby for Hollywood royalty especially with its reported eight bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a garden gazebo, indoor swimming pool and playground. Beats my one bed studio any day.
Since moving in he has been busy enjoying the London life, going to the theatre to see ‘Hamilton’ and even enjoying a spot of horseback riding in his new grounds. How quintessentially English!
Although his first Thanksgiving spent away from home in the US, he made the most of it by cooking a turkey and reflecting on his journey:
‘This Thanksgiving was a unique one, in that it was the first time I’ve ever not been back home in the U.S. of A. But here in London, we still cooked and laid out a big, sweet spread to give our thanks and boundless gratitude for our loved ones. The weird thing – is every Thanksgiving I gotta take a moment to remember exactly 27 years ago on Thanksgiving while living in Tampa, Fl we were so p*** broke, that we couldn’t even afford to buy a turkey, so we were praying someone would invite us over for Thanksgiving.”
For The Rock however, there was just one thing missing. His gym. But fear not as he swiftly flew over his mammoth gym kit alongside the usual necessities of clothes and grooming apparatus. Nicknamed his ‘Iron Paradise’, the ‘mobile’ gym contains 40,000lbs of gym equipment, a kitchen and not forgetting the hundreds of helpers to get it set-up.
It seems he never travels without it too as in November, while on location in Vancouver, Johnson posted on Instagram to thank his gym team for their help. He said:
‘Sending a huge thank you to the hundreds of hard working crew responsible for always setting up my Iron Paradise aka my traveling carnival in every location I film at…’
This all seems an insane amount of effort every time, but how else do you think he maintains that ridiculous body on his tight schedule without getting papped all the time? Plus I’m not sure how much gymming would occur if you spotted The Rock next to you at your local gym (out of both embarrassment and fan-girling). Johnson was quoted saying:
‘I can maintain and build upon an insane work schedule, but only due to having my anchor ready to go every morning at 5am. Grateful to the bone. Thank you guys.’
Johnson will no doubt keep his followers updated on how he settles into his new home and completes his hardcore workouts. Personally, I can’t wait to find out how he does his weekly cheat meal London style.