Think Muay Thai is only for fighters? Some of the best-known names in film, music and media have discovered what Melbourne locals already know: Muay Thai is one of the most complete workouts there is, and it changes far more than your fitness. Here are some of the celebrities who train Muay Thai according to interviews and public reports, what draws them to it, and why the same benefits are waiting for you at Hammer’s Gym.
Celebrities who train Muay Thai
Chris Hemsworth
The Australian actor’s training for his action roles has been widely reported to include Muay Thai and boxing alongside heavy strength work. He has talked about combat sports giving him both the physical intensity and the mental switch-off that traditional gym sessions do not. We cover his broader approach in how Chris Hemsworth maintains his fitness.
Gal Gadot
Preparing for Wonder Woman reportedly involved months of martial arts and fight training, including Muay Thai-style striking, to build the strength, conditioning and believable fighting ability the role demanded. It is a good example of how quickly consistent training transforms both capability and confidence.
Wiz Khalifa
The rapper is one of the most vocal celebrity advocates for martial arts training. He has spoken publicly and often about his Muay Thai and MMA sessions and the physical and mental changes they brought, describing it as the best workout he has found.
Denzel Curry
The rapper trains Muay Thai seriously and has been open about it, crediting the discipline with reshaping his body and mindset and often highlighting the mental benefits over the physical ones.
Ryan Gosling
Gosling has been reported to have trained Muay Thai as part of preparing for physical roles, using it for full-body conditioning and the kind of focused, present-minded training that carries over into his work.
Matthew McConaughey
The Oscar winner has spoken about martial arts and fight training for various roles and reportedly enjoys the technical side of striking arts: the footwork, timing and precision that make Muay Thai a lifelong study rather than a passing workout.
Joe Rogan
The UFC commentator and podcast host is a lifelong martial artist with black belts in taekwondo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and has trained kickboxing and Muay Thai for decades. He regularly discusses the benefits of striking arts for fitness, discipline and self-defence.
Why high performers choose Muay Thai
What draws busy, successful people to the art of eight limbs when they could pick any workout in the world?
- Complete fitness in one session. Every class delivers cardio, strength, flexibility, coordination and mental engagement. No need to juggle separate workouts.
- Mental clarity. Holding pads, hitting combinations and reading a partner leaves no room for the day’s stress. It is meditation through movement.
- Endless progression. The technical depth means there is always something new to refine, which is why people stay for years rather than weeks.
- Real, usable skill. Unlike a machine circuit, Muay Thai teaches you something practical: how to move, defend yourself and stay calm under pressure.
- Community. Training partners become a team. Shared hard work builds friendships that keep you turning up.
You do not need to be a fighter
The celebrities above are not professional athletes. They are busy people who found a form of training they love and stuck with it, which is exactly the point of our article why Muay Thai is for everyone. At Hammer’s Gym, beginners start every single week. Classes are structured so that first-timers learn the basics safely alongside experienced members, and there is no sparring until you choose to. If you have never thrown a kick, read our Muay Thai for beginners guide before your first class.
Train Muay Thai in Melbourne’s east
Hammer’s Gym in Nunawading has been home to Muay Thai in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs since 1995, with experienced coaches who have fought and taught at the highest level, a purpose-built martial arts area, and a welcoming, ego-free environment. Our Muay Thai classes run throughout the week for all levels; check the timetable for times. Your first class is free: book your free trial and see what the fuss is about. We are minutes from Mitcham, Blackburn, Box Hill and Doncaster.