According to Men’s Health, 33-year-old actor Chase Stokes has undergone a significant physical and emotional metamorphosis, building a muscular frame for his role as an ex-Division I athlete rear tyre changer named Ronnie Whitlock in the NASCAR film Thunder Road, while leaving behind the lean, surfer-boy build of John B. Routledge from the Netflix series Outer Banks.
Shedding and the Physical Toll of Outer Banks
After playing a teenager through his late 20s and early 30s, Stokes recognized that he needed to actively shift his image to avoid being permanently typecast, telling Men’s Health that he wanted to show the world he is no longer a child with floppy blonde hair. Playing John B. required strict intermittent fasting, where Stokes would fast until 2:00 PM and drink upwards of a gallon of water to keep the weight off, according to his interview with Men’s Health.
That rigorous routine took a severe toll on his health. According to Men’s Health, Stokes suffered three concussions while filming Outer Banks—including one from an airplane door—alongside a popped shoulder, a dislocated finger, and various stitches. Over the final two years, he began noticing short-term memory retention issues, occasionally forgetting dialogue blocks or instructions shortly after receiving them. To combat post-concussion brain impacts, Stokes told Men’s Health he has utilized Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment, which applies magnetic pulses to remap and rewire neuroplasticity, and he has increasingly relied on his long-time stunt double, Levi Gilbert, to handle dangerous stunts.
Rebuilding Strength and Health for Thunder Road
Preparing to play a professional NASCAR pit crew member changed Stokes’s fitness regimen entirely. Realizing that a weak physical presence would be disrespectful to athletes who operate at a professional level to service race cars, Stokes traded high-rep, lighter weights for heavy compound lifts, including cleans, squats, Bulgarian split squats, deadlifts, and bench presses, working alongside celebrity trainer Gunnar Peterson according to Men’s Health.
Pro Tip: Professional stunt doubles and specialized athletic roles require rigorous preparation. Stokes notes that knowing when to step aside and let a trusted double like Levi Gilbert take over is a crucial part of preserving an actor’s longevity in the craft.
His internal health required extensive recovery as well. According to Men’s Health, blood tests revealed that stress and poor physical management during his time on Outer Banks caused his testosterone levels to plummet to 191—far below the normal 700 to 800 range for a 33-year-old man—while also negatively impacting his liver and kidney markers. By working with an internal medicine doctor and a personal wellness team consisting of a trainer, a chef, a life coach, and a therapist, Stokes adjusted his diet to include heavy iron-rich red meats, ground turkey breast, and omegas from fish, while also utilizing safe peptides to support his recovery.
Managing Mental Health and Body Dysmorphia
Stokes has been open about struggling with body dysmorphia and internet scrutiny regarding his appearance. According to Men’s Health, he frequently attends hands-on therapy retreats at Onsite in Nashville, a technology-free horse farm environment, and maintains a daily journaling habit to process stress. By putting the character of John B. to bed and stepping into more mature roles, Stokes aims to move past the constant online comparison and focus squarely on his art and professional growth.
Did You Know?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Chase Stokes change his workout routine?
According to Men’s Health, Stokes changed his routine from lanky, cardio-heavy training to heavy compound lifting to prepare for his role as a NASCAR rear tyre changer named Ronnie Whitlock in Thunder Road.
What health issues did Chase Stokes face while filming Outer Banks?
According to Men’s Health, Stokes suffered three concussions, a dislocated shoulder, a dislocated finger, and dropped his testosterone levels to 191.
Who trains Chase Stokes now?
According to Men’s Health, Stokes has worked with prominent celebrity trainer Gunnar Peterson, who has previously trained Sylvester Stallone and Tom Brady.
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