Scott Eastwood just turned 40, and he’s not afraid to talk about what that milestone means for his body.
In a candid conversation on Men’s Health’s Strong Talk podcast with muscle scientist Dr. Pat Davidson and fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., the actor opened up about aging, testosterone, and staying fit in Hollywood.
For someone who graced the cover of Men’s Health back in 2017, Eastwood’s approach to fitness has evolved—but his commitment hasn’t wavered.
Here’s what he had to say about training after 40 and the recovery strategies keeping him in action-hero shape.
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The Reality of Training at 40
Eastwood doesn’t sugarcoat what getting older feels like physically.
Things hurt more. Getting out of bed hurts more.
Despite these challenges, Eastwood maintains an impressive fitness regimen that includes strength training, jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, swimming, and yoga. That’s quite a roster for anyone, let alone someone navigating the demands of an acting career and the natural decline that comes with aging.
His secret? Doubling down on recovery.
Where younger athletes might bounce back naturally from intense workouts, Eastwood now prioritizes recovery modalities to help his body heal faster and perform better. While he didn’t detail every recovery technique he uses, focusing on post-workout recovery has become non-negotiable in his routine.
The Testosterone Question
Perhaps the most revealing part of Eastwood’s interview centered on testosterone replacement therapy—something many men consider as they age but few discuss openly.
You reach a point, where you go, ‘Oh, do I need to do that now?’ I’m thinking about it right now, being 40, and especially in Hollywood.
Eastwood’s honesty about considering testosterone therapy—rather than confirming or denying its use—reflects the reality many men face. Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, typically dropping about 1% per year after 30.
This gradual decline can affect everything from muscle mass and strength to energy levels and recovery.
In Hollywood specifically, where physical appearance and performance often dictate career opportunities, the pressure to maintain peak physique intensifies. Eastwood acknowledges this reality without shame or defensiveness.
What to Know About Testosterone After 40
For men approaching or past 40, understanding testosterone becomes increasingly important. Here’s what matters:
- Symptoms of low testosterone include decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, fatigue, reduced libido, and difficulty concentrating
- Blood tests can determine if your testosterone levels fall below normal ranges (typically 300-1,000 ng/dL)
- Lifestyle factors like strength training, adequate sleep, stress management, and proper nutrition can naturally support healthy testosterone levels
- Testosterone replacement therapy should only be considered under medical supervision after proper testing and evaluation
Eastwood’s approach—thoughtfully considering his options while maintaining his training consistency—demonstrates a mature perspective on aging and performance.
Staying Consistent Despite the Challenges
What stands out most about Eastwood’s fitness philosophy isn’t any single workout or supplement. It’s his commitment to consistency even when motivation wanes and recovery takes longer.
His diverse training approach—mixing martial arts, traditional strength work, and flexibility training—provides multiple benefits beyond aesthetics. Jiu-jitsu and Muay Thai develop functional strength, coordination, and mental toughness. Swimming offers low-impact cardiovascular conditioning. Yoga enhances mobility and recovery.
This variety also helps prevent overuse injuries, something increasingly important as connective tissues become less resilient with age.
Longevity and Career Demands
During the Strong Talk episode, Eastwood also discussed longevity, career trajectory, and his upcoming World War II action thriller Lucky Strike. These topics aren’t separate from his fitness conversation—they’re intrinsically connected.
Maintaining physical capability allows Eastwood to continue performing in action-oriented roles. But more importantly, his training supports functional longevity—the ability to move well, feel good, and maintain independence for decades to come.
That’s ultimately what training after 40 should prioritize: not just looking good today, but moving well tomorrow.
Practical Takeaways for Training After 40
Eastwood’s approach offers valuable lessons for any man navigating fitness in their 40s and beyond:
- Prioritize recovery as much as training intensity—your body needs more time to heal
- Diversify your training to develop well-rounded fitness and prevent overuse injuries
- Stay consistent even when progress slows or workouts feel harder
- Consider professional guidance for hormone optimization if symptoms warrant it
- Focus on longevity over short-term aesthetic goals
Most importantly, Eastwood demonstrates that thinking about testosterone or acknowledging physical challenges doesn’t mean you’ve given up. It means you’re being strategic about supporting your body through natural changes.
For anyone interested in deeper fitness wisdom from experts and celebrities, the full Strong Talk episode with Eastwood offers extended conversation about recovery habits, career insights, and preparing for demanding roles like his upcoming film.
Training after 40 doesn’t mean lowering your standards. It means raising your awareness about what your body needs to keep performing at its best.
