Tom Ellis was known for his 'devilishly' fit physique on Lucifer. But a major back injury in 2025 forced a complete overhaul of his fitness philosophy. The actor has since traded heavy lifting for a new, functional approach focused on feeling good, not just looking ripped.

His show, Lucifer, started on FOX, then went to the streaming service for the fourth season after a fan campaign to save it. 

Ellis played the role of a suave fallen angel there, and had an absolutely crazy workout routine: "We trained six days a week. We would do four days of it as an upper-lower body split using big compound movements to get the big muscles going."

But after a back injury in 2025 and a meniscus tear in his knee changed the way he looks at working out. The heavy lifting had to go, and he implemented more functional workouts in his routine: "Pushups, pull-ups, Pilates core work, and physical therapy."

He attempts to do five sets of 20 pushups and sometimes takes part in pullup contests with his co-star on “CIA,” Nick Gehlfuss. He also dedicates some time at the gym to Pilates training or core exercises with his physiotherapist.

Apart from strengthening routines, Ellis has also come around to the joys of walking. Ellis' target for walking is anything between 20,000 and 25,000 steps each day. “Since I have relocated to New York City, what I really like about it is that I walk everywhere now,” he remarks.

“To console me that I am not exercising during the weekend days, I try to ensure that I take my steps. To improve my mental well-being, it is the best way.”

For the actor, the realization of transformative workouts came only after a physical setback. He adapted his workout routine to be more effective and sustainable.

From ‘Looking Ripped’ to Moving Right: Tom Ellis Redefines Fitness After Injury

Tom Ellis shared how he felt that his ripped and muscular body might look marvelous on-screen, but it did not support him in athletic movements for his sport.

Talking on a podcast called “Strong Talk” by Men’s Health, Ellis revealed: “When I went back to trying to play sport, I didn’t feel as athletic… I felt a little bit swelled.” 

But now the Welsh actor's functional approach toward fitness focuses more on stability and longevity.

“Fitness for me it wasn’t about getting ripped up, and you know, looking a certain way. It was just about feeling good and feeling like moving well.”

Ellis's experience reinforces a simple but often ignored truth: fitness that feels good and supports your body will always outlast fitness that only looks good.

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Written by

Proma Chatterjee

Edited by

Ashvinkumar Patil