Connor Story appears on the 2026 Golden Globe Awards red carpet
“Rivals” star Connor Story poses on the Golden Globes red carpet.
An unexpected motivation for Jim to achieve his goals for 2026? A gay hockey romance.
The men (and their muscles) featured in the hit show Heat Rivalry, based on Rachel Reid’s book series, are motivating people to hit the gym, and fitness experts are thrilled.
“As a trainer, I’m really excited and encouraged by how motivated and inspired everyone is by this cultural moment,” says Karen Prine, a UK-based certified personal trainer with a degree in exercise and health. “I hope people continue to be inspired.”
On social media, Ilya Rozanov (played by Connor Story) and Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) have been posting about their “glute goals” and how the show has inspired them to get in shape and stop skipping the gym.
Fitness inspiration has also found its way into group fitness classes, with Peloton instructor Cody Rigsby holding coded classes and spins at Heat Rivalry, and SoulCycle instructors posting about themed rides as well.
Rigsby also praised the show’s influence, writing on Instagram that he “suddenly had the urge to start a glute program.” Also, other fitness coaches like Greg Statson offered tips after seeing people “want to focus more after watching a heated rivalry.” Inspired by the show, Julia Jean created themed HIIT workouts that fans described as “beginner-friendly.” “We work out, we sweat, and we grow glutes like Ilya Rozanov,” she said in a post about the class.
Why Connor Storey and Hudson Williams have gym enthusiasts
Prine believes the HudCon phenomenon is inspiring for several reasons. The reasons include a counterbalance to the recent return of skinny culture messages.
“All the people I’ve seen posting about this online are women, and they’re inspired not only by Elijah’s cheeks but also by his arms. They want big biceps, big shoulders, big triceps,” she says. “We have made a lot of effort to let go of the narrow ideals of body image and body standards that are forced upon us, and to accept that we are well-nourished, strong, capable, and inclusive.”
Even stars don’t make working out a big deal. Instead, fitness feels like a routine, both on-screen and off-screen.
“Fitness seems to be a part of their lives, not just something they do for a job,” Prine said, adding that Williams has a background in mixed martial arts (MMA) and Story said she didn’t have to work as hard to get in shape for the role. “So I feel like their fitness is just a part of their life, which is also relatable and achievable.”
‘Heated Rivalry’ star Hudson Williams turns heads at Golden Globe Awards
“Heated Rivalry” star Hudson Williams turns heads on the 2026 Golden Globe Awards red carpet.
And while muscular men may be commonly associated with a narrow view of masculinity, the character’s physical strength is balanced by the character’s emotional depth and tenderness.
“I know they’re men, but I think they’re attracted to people of all genders,” Prine says.
Plus, the soundtrack, featuring nostalgic yet reliable bops, has people ready to move on. tATu’s “All The Things She Said” is “on repeat at home,” Prine says.
Strength training has more benefits than just building your body.
Strength training isn’t just about increasing muscle mass. It also supports bone density. Bone density naturally decreases with age, but is important for posture and safe movement.
For example, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases, osteoporosis occurs when bone density and mass decrease significantly, weakening the bones. It also increases the risk of osteoporotic fractures.
When your bones are dense, you’re much less likely to break a bone when you fall, Dr. Nasim A. Chaudhry, a rehabilitation medicine specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian, previously told USA TODAY.
Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jogging, and running, as well as strength training using weights or resistance bands, can help stimulate bone formation, Chaudhry added.
“For young people, it’s harder to take care of yourself as you get older, but thinking about muscle mass and bone density improves balance and posture, which keeps us mobile and active,” explains Prine, 45, adding that hormonal changes such as menopause can also accelerate the loss of bone density.
And the benefits go beyond the physical. She added that exercising can also improve your mood and confidence, which can also help with your overall mental health.
Tips for starting strength training
It’s great to start young, but it’s never too late to start. Please note that the results will not be immediate. As the title of this book’s sequel suggests, strength training is the “long game.”
“Be patient with yourself; it will take at least a few months before you start to notice changes in your body,” she says, adding that genetics also play a role in muscle definition.
Even if you want to primarily target a specific area, Preene recommends a full-body workout to maximize overall benefits.
“As a beginner, aim low,” she says. “Start with two days a week, because a lot of the mistakes people make is they do too much too quickly.”
Before worrying about proper form with dumbbells or barbells, take advantage of the machines at the gym.
“It’s very effective, very safe to use, and you can also adjust the weight,” she says, adding that it helps you feel comfortable and confident in your movement patterns while building baseline strength.
Don’t forget to replenish your energy after training. She says tuna melts are actually “a great post-workout meal because they provide carbohydrates, fat, and protein.”
Well, with all these health benefits, do you come here? cottage Gym?
