What's Inside?
- Karen Fukuhara swapped deadlifts for landmine exercises after a back injury while still targeting similar muscle groups effectively.
- 'The Boys' actor trains Kimiko’s “wolf-like” movement style with heavy lower-body workouts focused on glutes and balance.
- Fukuhara relies on custom orthotics, wrist wraps, electrolytes, and even colour-coordinated gym outfits to stay workout-ready.
Karen Fukuhara’s training is not tied to chasing a certain look. The actor behind Kimiko in The Boys sees fitness as a way to feel stronger, move better, and keep up with the physical demands of stunt-heavy filming. Over the years, her routine has evolved from feeling lost in the gym to building a structured programme focused on strength, mobility, and recovery.
Speaking to Women’s Health, Fukuhara opened up about the workouts that help her prepare for action scenes, especially the lower-body strength needed for Kimiko’s aggressive, low-to-the-ground movement style. From heavy glute bridges to mobility work and cardio sessions, her approach combines discipline with practicality. She also spoke candidly about gym anxiety, training injuries, and the small habits that make her workouts sustainable.
The Boys Star Karen Fukuhara Reveals Her Training Routine
Karen Fukuhara admitted that fitness did not come naturally at first. After college, she started going to the gym with a friend but struggled to feel comfortable in that environment. The unfamiliar equipment and gym culture made the process intimidating.
“I think I started training after college. I wanted a way to hang out with my friend and also get into fitness at the same time. However, it did not stick at the time because it was so unfamiliar,” she told Women’s Health.
Her relationship with training changed while working on Suicide Squad. The expectation in the DC movie introduced her to professional weightlifting and smarter programming. Fukuhara credited the trainer she worked with on set for helping her understand that efficiency matters more than spending endless hours in the gym.
“I was lucky enough to work with Will’s trainer and he taught me how to train smarter, not harder. The fewer amount of hours in the gym to get the result that you want is better.”
She also reflected on the pressure many women feel in gym spaces dominated by “masculine energy”. Over time, preparation and consistency helped her gain confidence. Rather than walking into a session without direction, she now arrives with a clear plan and adapts exercises when equipment is unavailable.
How Did Karen Fukuhara Train For Kimiko?
A major part of Fukuhara’s training revolves around building strength in her lower body. Kimiko’s fight scenes demand explosive movement, balance, and endurance, especially during stunt work.
“This is the barbell glute bridge. I usually start off with the heavy lifting for the legs. Kimiko has been really focused on building her lower half of the body.”
She explained that many of Kimiko’s movements are “low to the ground, wolf-like”, which is why glute and leg strength play such an important role in her preparation.
Fukuhara typically performs four sets of ten reps before moving into supersets. One of her preferred combinations includes barbell glute bridges paired with seated cable rows. The pairing allows her legs to recover briefly while she focuses on posture and upper-back strength.
“I love these because I feel like in our day-to-day we’re always on our laptops, always on our phones and so there’s a lot of like forward shoulder movement.”
She has also replaced traditional deadlifts with landmine exercises after suffering a back injury. The movement targets similar muscle groups while placing less strain on her lower back.
Karen Fukuhara Focuses on Mobility, Core and Recovery
Beyond strength training, Fukuhara places strong emphasis on mobility and core stability. Exercises like single-leg deficit glute bridges help improve balance while isolating muscles she says are harder for her to activate naturally.
“I have a really hard time targeting my glute muscle. I am quad dominant, but the glute bridges really help me focus on the glute itself without everything else firing up.”
Her workouts usually finish with what she calls an “arm blast”, combining exercises for the biceps, triceps, back, and abs. Although she joked about disliking core training, she acknowledged its importance in both exercise and everyday movement.
Outside the gym floor, Fukuhara pays close attention to recovery and preparation. She prefers coordinated workout outfits to simplify her routine, trains with orthotics to reduce foot pain caused by Kimiko’s heavy boots, and relies on electrolytes, gloves, wrist wraps, and sunscreen during sessions.
“I love my body when I feel the strongest, when I’m putting the right things in my body and eating right and sleeping.”
That mindset sits at the centre of her approach to fitness. Strength, for Fukuhara, is tied to performance, confidence, and feeling capable both on and off screen.
Follow Karen Fukuhara on Instagram.
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