Actor Tas Skyler has ditched traditional gym workouts for something far more practical.
His training philosophy? Keep it simple, functional, and portable enough to do anywhere—from desert locations to studio backlots.
In a recent workout demonstration, the One Piece star revealed exactly how he trains to perform his own stunts while staying injury-free.
And his approach might just change how you think about fitness.
Jump to:
- Training With Purpose: Competing Against His Stunt Double
- The “Workout Snacking” Strategy
- Compound Movements: Maximum Efficiency
- Why Skipping Rope Replaced Heavy Weights
- Kettlebell Movements for Full-Body Power
- Core Work That Actually Transfers to Stunts
- The Martial Arts Practice Component
- Why He Refuses Traditional Gyms
- The Jane Goodall Approach to Training
- The No-Overthinking Philosophy
- Key Takeaways From Skyler’s Approach
Training With Purpose: Competing Against His Stunt Double
Skyler doesn’t train just to look good on camera. He trains to earn his place doing his own stunts.
Me and my stunt double have this thing where if I can meritocratically do the stunt as well as him, then I’m allowed to do it. And so far, I’ve meritocratically been able to.
That competitive edge drives his entire training philosophy. His goals are clear: be fast, flexible, bulletproof against injuries, and capable of fighting convincingly on screen.
Most importantly, every exercise needs to work anywhere—no fancy equipment required.
The “Workout Snacking” Strategy
Forget grinding through one brutal two-hour gym session. Skyler breaks his training into bite-sized chunks throughout the day.
I’m a big fan of snacking on workouts. So, I might do like a 30 minute and then another 30 minute and then like an hour in the evening sometimes.
This approach keeps his body constantly engaged without overwhelming his schedule during filming. It’s sustainable, prevents burnout, and maintains high energy levels throughout demanding workdays.
Compound Movements: Maximum Efficiency
Skyler’s secret weapon? Packing multiple movements into single exercises.
I’m trying to pack as many movements into a single movement as I can. So instead of doing regular push-ups, I’ll always do a compound push-up.
His “360 push-ups” combine chest work with rotational core strength and shoulder stability. These aren’t your standard gym exercises—they replicate falling and absorbing impact.
Worm sprawls replace traditional shoulder presses, working shoulders while requiring full-body stabilization and explosive flexibility. Every movement serves double or triple duty.
Why Skipping Rope Replaced Heavy Weights
Skyler made a crucial discovery early in his stunt training journey.
I used to bring weights with me onto set, but then what would happen is I would just get really strong with weights and I’d feel out of breath whenever we were doing something that would require me to have endurance.
His solution? Jump rope between every set. This keeps his cardiovascular system primed while building the agility and footwork essential for fight choreography.
He cycles through various techniques—what he calls “Muhammad Ali steps,” X steps, double unders, and high knees. The portability doesn’t hurt either.
Kettlebell Movements for Full-Body Power
Kettlebells form the backbone of Skyler’s strength training. They’re portable, versatile, and force total body engagement.
His routine includes:
- Snatch and twist: Builds explosive power while training rotational core strength
- Cleans: Ballistic movements that condition against injury
- 360s with variations: Multi-directional strength and coordination
- Fight-stance squats: Squatting in fighting stance rather than linear positions
This is the part where I bulletproof my body. This is the part where my body gets used to extending and holding weight and taking weight in ways that replicates taking hits at work.
He completes three sets of each kettlebell movement in under 20 minutes, at least three times weekly. Efficiency meets effectiveness.
Core Work That Actually Transfers to Stunts
Traditional crunches don’t cut it for stunt work. Skyler’s core training focuses on functional movement patterns.
His “Basic Instinct crunches” (triangle crunches) come straight from jiu-jitsu training. Sit-ups with kicks engage the entire body simultaneously.
Kick-throughs with extended holds serve dual purposes:
- Building coordination through complex movement patterns
- Strengthening legs at maximum extension to prevent meniscus injuries during hard kicks
Being strong in this position, I found is what helps me not injure my meniscus when I’m throwing kicks really hard. So, I always try to be able to hold stuff at max extension.
The Martial Arts Practice Component
Beyond strength and conditioning, Skyler maintains his kicking precision through regular practice.
He incorporates taekwondo patterns for structured technique work, but places greater emphasis on shadow boxing with kicks.
There’s a big difference between just being able to hook kick and being able to incorporate it into a shadow box without telegraphing that it’s about to happen.
This rhythmic chaining of techniques without stopping builds the fluidity required for convincing on-screen combat.
Why He Refuses Traditional Gyms
Skyler’s refreshingly honest about why conventional gym culture doesn’t work for him.
I just personally despise going to a gym. I grew up as a nerd kid. And the idea of going to a gym where I just kind of lift weights around dudes a lot bigger than me has never worked in my brain.
His preference? Training outdoors using bodyweight movements that feel natural. And conveniently, this aligns perfectly with his job requirements.
The Jane Goodall Approach to Training
Skyler admits he doesn’t know official exercise terminology. His entire system comes from observing and adapting stunt performer techniques.
I feel like every part of the way I train is like my Jane Goodall version of having lived with stunt men for 6 months cuz I don’t know what any of it’s called. I just see him do it and incorporate it into my thing.
This organic learning approach strips away unnecessary complexity. If stunt professionals use particular movements to stay injury-free and perform effectively, those movements get incorporated—formal names optional.
The No-Overthinking Philosophy
Perhaps most refreshing is Skyler’s straightforward gauge for workout intensity.
If I’m sweating, I’m doing it fine and I don’t try and overthink it too much.
While some athletes obsess over heart rate zones and periodization schemes, Skyler keeps metrics simple. Is he sweating? Is he getting stronger? Can he perform the stunts?
That’s enough data for him.
Key Takeaways From Skyler’s Approach
Several principles make this training system particularly effective:
- Portability matters: Bodyweight exercises and kettlebells travel anywhere
- Compound movements save time: Work multiple muscle groups simultaneously
- Function over aesthetics: Though aesthetics follow as a bonus
- Injury prevention is paramount: Training specifically addresses vulnerable areas
- Consistency beats intensity: Multiple shorter sessions throughout the day
- Simplicity reduces friction: Less equipment and planning means fewer excuses
Skyler’s routine proves you don’t need expensive gym memberships or complicated programs to build functional strength. What you do need is clarity about your goals and willingness to train movements that actually serve those objectives.
For anyone looking to build practical, resilient fitness—whether for stunt work or simply moving better through life—his approach offers a blueprint worth following.
