Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Lara Croft in Tomb Raider (2001 & 2003) required an athletic, toned, and combat-ready physique. To prepare for the role, she underwent a gruelling training program that included strength training, martial arts, kickboxing, and weapons training. Her goal was to build functional strength, endurance, and agility to perform stunts and fight sequences with ease.
Her transformation was guided by celebrity trainer Simon Crane, who designed a program focused on strength, flexibility, combat skills, and endurance.
Angelina Jolie’s Tomb Raider Workout Routine
Her training included:
- Strength & Resistance Training (to build lean muscle)
- Martial Arts & Kickboxing (for fight scenes)
- Weapons & Combat Training (for stunt work)
- Rock Climbing & Agility Work (to mimic Lara’s movements)
- Horseback Riding & Parkour (to enhance stunt coordination)
Weekly Workout Plan
- Monday: Strength Training + Kickboxing
- Tuesday: Weapons Training + Agility Drills
- Wednesday: Rock Climbing + Core Work
- Thursday: Martial Arts + Parkour Drills
- Friday: Strength Training + Stunt Rehearsals
- Saturday: Yoga & Flexibility Training
- Sunday: Rest & Recovery
Workout Breakdown
1. Strength & Resistance Training
Angelina focused on lean muscle building using bodyweight and weightlifting exercises.
- Pull-ups – 3 sets x 5 reps
- Deadlifts – 3 sets x 10 reps
- Squats – 3 sets x 12 reps
- Push-ups – 3 sets x 15 reps
- Plank Hold – 3 rounds x 60 sec
2. Kickboxing & Martial Arts
She trained in Muay Thai and kickboxing to prepare for hand-to-hand combat scenes.
- Heavy Bag Punches & Kicks – 3 rounds x 1 min
- Elbow & Knee Strikes – 3 rounds x 15 reps
- Sparring Sessions – 30 min
3. Weapons & Combat Training
Since Lara Croft is skilled in firearms and hand-to-hand combat, Angelina trained extensively with:
- Handguns & Rifles – Target practice and handling drills
- Knife Fighting & Staff Training – 3 sessions per week
- Combat Choreography – Fight scene rehearsals
4. Agility & Climbing Work
She worked on rock climbing and parkour to develop upper body strength and agility.
- Bouldering & Rock Climbing – 3 sessions per week
- Obstacle Course Training – 20 min drills
- Hanging Leg Raises – 3 sets x 12 reps
5. Core & Flexibility Training
Lara Croft needed a strong core and flexibility for stunts and fight sequences.
- Russian Twists – 3 sets x 20 reps
- Leg Raises – 3 sets x 15 reps
- Yoga & Pilates – 30 min sessions
Angelina Jolie’s Tomb Raider Diet Plan
Angelina followed a high-protein, clean diet to maintain energy levels and lean muscle. She avoided processed foods and focused on whole, nutrient-dense meals.
Daily Meal Plan
Breakfast:
- Scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and avocado
- Green smoothie with spinach, kale, chia seeds, and almond milk
Lunch:
- Grilled chicken with quinoa and steamed vegetables
- Mixed greens salad with tuna, olive oil, and walnuts
Dinner:
- Baked salmon with sweet potatoes and asparagus
- Lentil soup with whole-grain bread
Snacks:
- Almonds and dark chocolate
- Protein shake with banana and almond butter
- Greek yogurt with honey
Supplements Angelina Jolie Used for Tomb Raider
- Whey Protein or Plant-Based Protein Powder – For muscle recovery
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids – To reduce inflammation and boost brain function
- Multivitamins – To ensure she got all essential nutrients
- BCAA (Branched-Chain Amino Acids) – To aid muscle repair and endurance
Training Tips from Angelina Jolie
- Train for Strength & Agility – She balanced muscle-building with flexibility to stay mobile.
- Master Combat & Weapons Handling – She trained with professionals for realistic fight scenes.
- Keep Diet Clean & High in Protein – She avoided processed foods and focused on whole foods.
- Commit to the Process – Angelina trained for six months before filming to perfect her physique and skills.
Final Thoughts
Angelina Jolie’s transformation into Lara Croft was one of Hollywood’s most intense action-hero training regimens. Her combination of strength, agility, martial arts, and combat training made her one of the most iconic action stars of her time. If you want to train like Lara Croft, follow this workout and diet plan to build strength, endurance, and agility!
