Hugh Jackman spent 17 years playing a character who can heal from basically anything. Turns out, the actor himself became pretty obsessed with recovery along the way—and sauna therapy became one of his go-to methods for staying in superhero shape well into his 50s.

Anyone who’s seen those shirtless Wolverine scenes knows Jackman doesn’t mess around with his fitness. But what most people don’t realize is how much of that work happens outside the gym. The sauna became a crucial part of his routine, especially during those brutal dehydration phases before filming where he needed to look absolutely shredded on camera.

Jackman’s been vocal about using both traditional and infrared saunas for years now, particularly as he got older and recovery became just as important as the workouts themselves. When you’re doing the kind of training required to convincingly play a mutant berserker—we’re talking multiple sessions a day, heavy lifting, martial arts, the whole nine yards—your body needs serious help bouncing back.

The Australian actor (seriously, what is it with Australians and optimal health?) credits regular sauna use with helping him maintain flexibility, reduce muscle soreness, and keep his cardiovascular system in check. He’s mentioned doing 20-30 minute sessions several times a week, sometimes following them up with cold exposure for that contrast therapy effect everyone in Hollywood seems addicted to now.

But here’s what makes Jackman’s approach different: he doesn’t treat it like some biohacking experiment. The guy genuinely seems to enjoy it. He’s talked about sauna time being meditative, a chance to decompress from the chaos of movie sets and Broadway shows. It’s not just about looking good with his shirt off—though let’s be honest, that’s definitely part of it.

His trainer and nutritionist have both mentioned that heat therapy became increasingly important as Jackman aged into the role of Wolverine. At 55, he’s still in better shape than most 25-year-olds, and he’ll tell you that’s because he learned to prioritize recovery just as much as training. The sauna is a big piece of that puzzle.

Jackman’s also been open about using saunas during his preparation for Broadway roles. Performing eight shows a week in something like “The Music Man” is physically demanding in ways people don’t appreciate. The sauna helps keep his voice healthy, his body loose, and his stress levels manageable. It’s not just about muscles—it’s about sustainability.

What’s interesting is how Jackman incorporates it into his life without making it sound ridiculous. He’s not preaching about it on social media or launching a sauna company. It’s just quietly part of his routine, the same way he approaches everything else—with professionalism and consistency.

There’s footage of him talking about his morning routine where he casually mentions sauna time like other people mention coffee. It’s that normalized for him. Wake up, hydrate, move, sweat, repeat. No drama, no pseudo-science, just habits that have kept him at the top of his game for decades.

And let’s not forget the social aspect. Jackman’s talked about hitting saunas with friends and colleagues, turning it into a bonding experience. Very Australian of him, honestly. Make wellness communal instead of isolating yourself in some biohacking chamber.

The guy’s proven you can play one of the most physically demanding roles in cinema history across nearly two decades, transition to Broadway, and keep looking like you could still slice through adamantium—and part of that longevity comes down to something as simple as sitting in a hot room on a regular basis.

So yeah, Wolverine’s healing factor might be fictional, but Hugh Jackman’s found his own version. It just involves more wood paneling and eucalyptus than you’d expect.