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Meet Mena Massoud, your new Aladdin and fitspiration

Photo from Instagram

He can take you on a magic carpet ride towards healthy living

By Eric Nicole Salta | Lead photo from Instagram.com/menamassey

One good thing about live action adaptions is seeing how the actors live up to their animated counterparts. Disney’s Aladdin is no exception. And while the cast reveal so far has been met with mixed reactions and whitewashing accusations—especially Naomi Scott’s upcoming portrayal of Jasmine—there was no shortage of high-voltage anticipation for Egypt-born Canadian newcomer Mena Massoud.

Not only does Massoud fit the bill, he fits the bill down to a T with six-pack abs that would complement Aladdin’s vest—and the vast amounts of shirtless scenes everyone is expecting.

Gratuitous? Maybe but his workout pictures and videos, which were posted to document preparations for upcoming roles, are enough to get anyone off the couch and into the gym or the outdoors. Let’s see what else we can learn from Massoud.

Unorthodox pull-ups? Sure. Every move engages different muscle groups—biceps, forearms, and your back.

We can’t hear it in this video but it looks like Massoud is, slightly as it seems, grunting. Science has shown that the sometimes annoying noise people in the gym or athletes make is actually beneficial. It gives more power and enhanced performance, thanks to the pressure building in our core.

If you want to add variety to your routine like Massoud, TRX (or total body resistance) suspension training is a simple but effective total body workout that uses your body weight to develop stability and proper form—aside from being a good cardio workout.

We’re guessing Massoud is a major basketball fan if he’s practicing his vertical jumps. Also, he’s wearing a Raptors t-shirt too.

What else to love about the swashbuckling Aladdin? His vegan diet and recipes, which include Vegan Snickers Bites. A strong case for eating desserts a little healthier.

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Categories: Fitness Multisport
Eric Salta: Eric Nicole Salta is an editor who has handled multiple brands and written stories that span the spectrum of journalism—from food and lifestyle to sports and music. He is currently the senior editorial manager of Scout, Preen, Nolisoli, F&B Report, and Multisport. He is also a massive tennis fan but has since retired from the sport.