From The Straits Times    |

Alex Pettyfer reluctant to work outAlex Pettyfer went through a phase of “not wanting to be in the gym” while training for his latest big screen outing.

The British actor stars in Magic Mike alongside Channing Tatum, Matthew McConaughey and Matt Bomer. The film centres on a troupe of exotic male dancers and the cast are regularly seen in skimpy outfits.

Alex trained hard to get in top shape for the risqué role, and is relieved to have eased off the intensive training regime.

“When you eat and train as a sportsman I found it very enjoyable,” he told the British edition of Men’s Health magazine.

“But at the same time, it was hard, particularly at the start and I still remember not wanting to be in the gym. That’s why I don’t want to train at the moment.”

Alex has revealed how much work he put into conditioning his body for the part. The 22-year-old star – who has also modelled in several advertising campaigns for Burberry – was eager to please the production team with his new bulked up look.

“I put on a bit of weight for this film. I started off at 169lb and went up to 196lb,” he explained.

“They told me I was too big, so in the end I had to take it back down to 185lb.”