Best known as the God of Thunder, 40-year-old Chris Hemsworth recently shared his daily routine after discovering his genetic test results.
He did the genetic testing for Limitless with Chris Hemsworth, the Nat Geo documentary series. The test results showed that he had two copies of the APOE e4 gene, associated with a greater likelihood of Alzheimer’s disease.
In the latest Men’s Health magazine interview, Hemsworth opened up about his new lifestyle and daily regime.
Chris Hemsworth Opens Up About Alzheimer’s Disease Risk
After learning the results of his genetic test on Limitless, the Thor actor expressed that it wasn’t something he expected at all.
“You’re constantly thinking you’re going to live forever, especially as a young individual. Then to be told that this might be the thing that might take you out was like, whoa—it kinda floored me.”
Dr. Peter Attia, a specialist in the field of longevity and the consulting doctor for Limitless, told Hemsworth that while having this particular gene boosts the odds of having Alzheimer’s—roughly eight to ten times higher than the general population—it does not necessarily mean that it is a foregone conclusion: some people with the high-risk gene may never develop the disease, and some people who don’t have the gene may still contract Alzheimer’s.
“This will motivate you to take steps today that most people [in their 40s] would never think about until they’re in their 50s or 60s,” she added.
Now, to protect himself from any other health complications, the 40-year-old Aussie actor has adopted a new lifestyle.
“It was a good kick in the arse and a reminder to do whatever is in my power to give myself the best fighting chance. Whatever work I’m doing for my brain health benefits the rest of my body—we turned it into a positive.”
“Now, I’m incorporating more solitude into my life,” added Chris Hemsworth.
Chris Hemsworth’s Renewed Lifestyle Routine At 40
Chris Hemsworth stated that he is embracing stillness and prioritizing spending time with himself.
“I’ve always been pretty consistent with my exercise commitments, but lately I’ve really felt the importance of taking time for yourself without any outside voice or stimulation and making time for stillness.”
Hemsworth also revealed that he is focusing on having a more “consistent” bedtime routine.
“I have a more consistent approach to my sleep. Try to stay off screens an hour before bed and read most nights definitely helps. In addition focusing on not being attached to every thought and be the observer to the noise when possible, just stepping back from the internal chatter.”
The father of three mentioned how he keeps himself busy and active.
“I do a lot of meditation and breath work mostly during sauna and ice bath routines.”
“For me my favourite mindfulness work comes from the immersion in physical actives that allow me to be fully present and force me out of me head and into my body, in particular surfing.”
The God of Thunder is no longer interested in lifting heavy weights and has shooed the heavy lifting away from his fitness routine.
“My weight fluctuates a lot due to differing roles and also my own interests in regards to challenging my body in different ways. I’m lifting less frequently than I was and I’m incorporating more cardio and endurance workouts which I much prefer than heavy body building style sessions.”
The actor had the option to omit the disclosure of his test results from the show, but he chose to keep it and, in so doing, showed a different kind of bravery and vulnerability.
Chris Hemsworth expressed his desire that by revealing his story, it could serve as a motivating factor for other individuals facing comparable circumstances to either get tested or to become more informed about their brain health and recognize what actions they can take to improve their well-being.
