Hudson Williams, the 24-year-old Canadian star of the hit series “With Love,” isn’t shy about discussing his physique. The show, poised to captivate audiences in Spain in 2026, has catapulted Williams into the spotlight, and he’s embracing the conversation around fitness. “We have a modus operandi for ,” he stated while demonstrating his routine for Men’s Health. “I want to maintain this butt and why not get an even bigger one.”
Williams notes his co-star, Connor Storrie, is less forthcoming about his own physique. “I don’t mind talking about my ass, but poor Connor Storrie, who has the biggest butt I’ve ever seen on a man, probably wants to stop talking about his beautiful glutes.”
The Rise of the ‘Show Prep’ Physique & Its Impact on Fitness Trends
Williams’ openness about his dedication to building a specific physique – one geared towards on-screen appeal – highlights a growing trend: the “show prep” aesthetic influencing mainstream fitness. Traditionally, this level of dedication was reserved for bodybuilding and physique competitions. Now, with the explosion of streaming content and visually-driven entertainment, actors and athletes are increasingly prioritizing sculpted physiques, and that’s impacting what people aspire to in their own fitness journeys. A 2023 report by Grand View Research estimated the global fitness market at USD 96.7 billion, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7% from 2023 to 2030. A significant portion of this growth is fueled by aesthetic-focused fitness goals.
This isn’t just about vanity. The demand for actors who already possess a high level of physical fitness is increasing, reducing the need for extensive (and expensive) physical transformations for roles. This, in turn, drives a continuous cycle of fitness dedication among performers.
From Childhood Weights to Targeted Glute Work: A Lifelong Fitness Journey
Williams’ commitment isn’t new. He reveals his father attempted to introduce him to weight training around the age of six. “There are videos of my dad trying to put weights in my hands,” he explains. This early exposure fostered a lifelong relationship with fitness. However, the specific focus on glute development is more recent, driven by the demands of his role as hockey star Shane Hollander. This illustrates a broader trend: individuals building upon a foundation of general fitness with increasingly targeted training protocols.
The Efficiency Factor: Time-Optimized Workouts
Williams’ training schedule – aiming for five sessions per week, with a minimum of three during busy periods – reflects another key trend: workout efficiency. He prioritizes full-body workouts lasting 45-60 minutes, aligning with the demands of a packed schedule. This mirrors the growing popularity of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and circuit training, which deliver significant results in shorter timeframes. Research published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research demonstrates the effectiveness of HIIT for improving both aerobic and anaerobic fitness.
The Influence of Athlete Aesthetics & The Protein Push
Williams cites hockey stars Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid as inspiration, not just for their skill but also for their overall physique and team-player attitude. This highlights the increasing influence of professional athletes on mainstream fitness trends. Athletes are no longer solely admired for performance; their physical appearance is also scrutinized and emulated.
Looking ahead to season two of “With Love,” Williams aims to gain 4.5 kilograms of muscle, specifically focusing on shoulder development. He jokingly references his co-star’s protein intake, suggesting a similar commitment will be necessary. This underscores the growing emphasis on macro-nutrient tracking, particularly protein consumption, to support muscle growth and recovery. The global protein supplement market is projected to reach USD 13.8 billion by 2028, demonstrating the increasing consumer interest in optimizing protein intake.
Hudson Williams’ ‘With Love’ Workout Routine
Dumbbell Chest Flyes
3 sets of 8-10 repetitions
Lying Dumbbell Curls
2-3 sets of 8-10 repetitions
Seated Single-Arm Cable Rows
3 sets of 8-10 repetitions per side
Overhead Triceps Extensions
3 sets of 8-10 repetitions
Cable Lateral Raises
3 sets of 8-10 repetitions
Dragon Flags
3 sets of 3-5 repetitions
Brett Williams, NASM-CPT, PES, Senior Editor at Men’s Health, is a certified trainer and former professional football player and technical reporter. You can find his work on other sites, such as Mashable, Thrillist, and other media outlets.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the “show prep” physique? It refers to the highly sculpted and lean physique often achieved by actors and performers preparing for roles that require a specific physical appearance.
- Is HIIT effective for all fitness levels? HIIT can be modified to suit various fitness levels. Beginners should start with shorter intervals and longer recovery periods.
- How much protein do I need to build muscle? Generally, 1.6-2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight is recommended for muscle growth.
- Are full-body workouts better than split routines? Both have benefits. Full-body workouts are efficient for time-constrained individuals, while split routines allow for more focused muscle group training.
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