From Strength to Stunts: Training Halle Berry for Never Let Go
When it comes to transforming into a powerful character, few actors commit as deeply as Halle Berry. For her role in the psychological thriller Never Let Go, Halle worked with Ian McWalter, an elite personal trainer and strength coach with over 15 years of experience and co-owner of Mobile Physique. Based in Vancouver, Ian was brought on board to help Halle prepare and stay in shape for this physically demanding role, focusing on precision, strength, and endurance. Their collaboration ensured that Halle was in peak condition, capable of delivering the intense performance required for the film’s gripping story of survival and suspense.
Short, Intense Sessions: A Tailored Approach
Halle Berry is no stranger to long hours on set, but Never Let Go required her to push her body in new ways. Instead of long, drawn-out workouts, Ian designed short, high-intensity sessions tailored to her demanding schedule, ensuring maximum efficiency. These workouts incorporated a mix of strength training, body movement exercises, and stretching, all aimed at enhancing agility and functional fitness—key for the physically and emotionally intense scenes Halle had to perform.
Ian’s fitness philosophy goes beyond traditional training. Drawing from his background as a former international athlete, Ian integrated techniques that focused not only on muscle-building but also on improving flexibility, core stability, and overall body awareness. His training was tailored to meet the unique demands of the role while also addressing Halle's needs during filming, ensuring she felt strong, flexible, and energized.
A Fitness Regimen for Physically Demanding Roles
Every role presents new physical challenges, and Ian’s work with Halle for Never Let Go was no exception. The focus was on endurance and total body strength, ensuring that Halle could handle the physical and emotional toll of the intense sequences while staying energized throughout the day.
Their sessions combined elements of HIIT (high-intensity interval training), bodyweight circuits, and animal movements to build functional fitness. From skipping and kettlebell swings to bear crawls and other bodyweight exercises, Ian’s approach gave Halle the explosive power and stamina required for demanding scenes, while helping her maintain her signature lean, athletic physique.
Recovery and Longevity: A Holistic Approach
While strength and agility were critical for Halle’s role, Ian made sure that recovery was just as much of a priority. Along with intense strength and cardio training, their sessions incorporated stretching, mobility work, and recovery techniques designed to prevent injury and promote long-term fitness. This holistic approach ensured that Halle’s body remained flexible, resilient, and injury-free throughout filming. Ian’s balanced method has been critical in helping her sustain her success in physically and emotionally demanding performances.
Bringing Elite Fitness to the Film Industry
At Mobile Physique, we pride ourselves on delivering personalized fitness solutions to Hollywood’s top talent. Ramona Braganza, Ian’s business partner and co-owner of Mobile Physique, has trained some of the industry’s biggest names, including Jessica Alba and Hugh Jackman. While Ian didn’t use Mobile Physique's 48-foot mobile gym during this particular project, the fully equipped gym—with cardio machines, resistance equipment, and free weights—is a perfect solution for productions that require fitness services wherever they are filming.
With over 15 years of experience, Ian McWalter’s expertise in training actors for intense roles, combined with the flexibility of Mobile Physique, ensures that stars like Halle Berry can continue performing at their best. Whether it’s preparing for a demanding role in films like Never Let Go or maintaining peak physical health, Mobile Physique brings elite fitness services directly to set, helping actors and crew stay in top condition.
It was a true pleasure working with you, Halle.
For more information about how Mobile Physique can support your next production with fitness and wellness services, contact us for quotes and availability.