Actor Jēkabs Reinis Builds Muscle for Film
Actor Jēkabs Reinis needed to build significant muscle mass for fight scenes in the new feature film Tumšā robeža.
While sports had always been a constant part of his life, Reinis relied heavily on a targeted diet to increase his physical volume for the demanding roles. He focused on consuming large amounts of protein daily through cottage cheese, eggs, and meat, while also incorporating plenty of fruits and vegetables into his meals.
Dietary Routine and Calisthenics Training
Reinis maintained a structured daily eating plan that featured eggs, dark bread, and tomato and cucumber salad for breakfast, followed by bananas and oranges. For lunch, he ate heavier meals such as sailor-style pasta or potatoes with pork, while his dinners consisted of canned or baked fish.
Alongside his nutrition plan, Reinis engaged in daily athletic activities, including individual training sessions with boxing coach Edgars Aizpurs, and practiced calisthenics, which involves bodyweight exercises like squats, push-ups, and pull-ups. “To bija liels izaicinājums, jo ārā gāju arī tad, kad ziemā bija lieli mīnusi, bet vienlaikus ir ieguvums, ka nav jāmaksā par sporta zāles abonementu un neesi piesaistīts kādam konkrētam laikam,” Reinis said.
Creatine and other supplements supported his muscle growth
To support his muscle growth, Reinis drank creatine to help achieve definition, though he noted it required increased daily water intake. He also used magnesium bisglycinate, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and occasionally electrolyte drinks to maintain salt balance. During periods of heavy physical and mental stress, he took a course of meldonium, an active substance invented in Latvia.
Reflecting on his intensive preparation, Reinis admitted that pushing for maximum effort was a mistake that left him exhausted the following day. “Labais ritms ir trenēties, izmantojot aptuveni 50–60 procentus no savām spējām,” Reinis said, adding that training at a moderate pace prevents burnout.
Reinis maintains muscle mass through active training
Reinis watched his weight climb from 90 kilograms to 100 kilograms during the physical transformation, noting that his 1.88-meter frame filled out his filming costumes significantly. He emphasized that stopping active training and diet routines causes his weight and muscle mass to drop quickly.
Jaunībā, mēs audzējam muskuļus, bet visu pārējo dzīvi mums ir svarīgi tos noturēt, Nulle said.
How much Jēkabs Reinis weighed and what supplements he used
How much did Jēkabs Reinis weigh before and after training?
Reinis weighed 90 kilograms before starting his intensive muscle-building routine and eventually reached 100 kilograms during the physical preparation for the film.
What supplements did the actor use during his preparation?
He used creatine, magnesium bisglycinate, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, electrolyte drinks, and a course of the Latvian-invented substance meldonium during periods of heavy stress.
Keep reading