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GYM DANDIES

By JOSLYN YANG
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July 29, 2003 -- CARS, guns and animated monsters get plenty of workouts in this summer's blockbusters. But so do the actors who hold their own against all that crashing metal.

Hollywood hotties put themselves through grueling workouts to pump up their physiques. Here's how several got in shape, along with tips on following their lead. But remember: It's their job to look the part, not yours.

Colin Farrell as the LAPD cop in "S.W.A.T."

The challenge: The Irish heartthrob would rather lift a pack of Marlboros than a pair of dumbbells. "Colin likes beer and the night life," concedes Alonzo Cannon, Farrell's trainer. "To get him to the gym is kind of out of the ordinary." But Farrell's character has a Navy background, and Farrell wanted to be "big, bulging and buff" to play him.

The workout: Hour-long strength-training workouts focused on Farrell's upper body. Farrell lifted weights for his shoulders, chest, biceps, triceps and abs six days a week. Three days a week, Farrell did supersets - fewer repetitions with heavier weights. The other days, he built endurance by doing more reps with lighter weights.

The result: "His chest and biceps, arms and abs look bigger and more defined," Cannon said. "His mother and sister would pull me aside and say, 'Colin is in such great shape.' "

Wanna try? Check "Body Re-Engineering" author Hugo Rivera's Web site, www.physique.bizland.com/index.shtml, or reach Cannon at Alonzo_Cannon@spe.sony.com.

Angelina Jolie as the archaeologist adventurer in "Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life"

The challenge: Lara fends off an entire Chinese crime syndicate with rifles, knives and martial-arts sticks.

The workout: The star, who trained in martial arts for the first film, reunited with martial-arts champion and fighting coach Nikki Berwick, who worked with Jolie for six weeks before the filming.

The result: "Playing Lara Croft is one of the most challenging roles I've ever undertaken," says Jolie, whose toddler son was thrilled by his mom's martial moves.

Wanna try? Berwick's Web site (www.nikkiberwick.com) provides step-by-step martial-arts techniques. She also has two training tapes, "Maximal Stretching" and "Redoubtable Kicks." Says Berwick, "Choose the weapons you like and play with them."

Tobey Maguire as the boxer-turned-jockey in "Seabiscuit"

The challenge: Since most jockeys weigh no more than 115 pounds, Maguire had to shave 25 pounds off his 5-foot-8 frame - and learn to ride.

The workout: A teetotaling vegetarian, Maguire dieted, did yoga and combined cardio and weight workouts. He also worked with retired jockey Chris McCarron, who had Maguire ride a mechanical horse called the Equicizer four hours a day, six days a week, for two months.

The result: Maguire not only got his weight and body fat down (to 6 percent), but he learned to look savvy in the saddle.

Wanna try?: Designed for jockeys, the Equicizer is used at riding schools to help equestrians practice and stay fit. Check www.equicizer.com.

Gabrielle Union as an undercover agent in "Bad Boys 2"

The challenge: Keeping up with the manic, pumped-up, gun-toting Will Smith and Martin Lawrence

The workout: Union worked out for two hours a day, five days a week, doing Pilates and cardio training. She also learned how to load weapons and shoot targets with the Miami S.W.A.T. unit. "I was afraid I might shoot myself," she said.

The result: "Once I got the weapons training, I became very comfortable with it," Union said. "Now you can't take me off the range." She looks good, too.

Wanna try?: Sorry. S.W.A.T. expert Stuart Meyers says the training is reserved for people in law enforcement and special forces. Still, you can get a taste of it in his book, "S.W.A.T. Fitness," which introduces operational tactics and overall physical training.



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