François Arnaud isn’t just winning hearts on Heated Rivalry, he’s making jaws drop. The Canadian actor, 40, transformed himself into the perfect embodiment of Scott Hunter, the fictional hockey captain, blending athletic skill with undeniable sex appeal. And yes, those tight Under Armour shots? Totally earned.
From Couch to Ice Captain
Arnaud described the physical shift as more than just hitting the gym. “For the longest time, I think I was afraid of working out too much,” he said at the MH Fitness Hub. “Now, this year in particular, my whole outlook has changed. I’m like, ‘I want to look like I’ve never read a book.’”
To achieve that effect, he focused on both performance and aesthetics. The role demanded convincing hockey scenes, from skating to slapshots, while filling out a uniform meant to highlight his sculpted physique. “I knew I was never going to have the thighs of a professional player, they have tree trunks, but I sure did try,” he joked.
Training On and Off the Ice
Arnaud’s routine mixes full-body gym work with a heavy dose of running. He doesn’t compartmentalize lifts by day; instead, he relies on overall conditioning, with running distances adding up to a marathon each week.
Off the treadmill and weight rack, real-world hockey skills were key. Former pro and stunt coordinator Cam Fergus trained the cast to skate and move like real athletes. Arnaud embraced the learning curve with humor, even after an on-set mishap that left a gash in his hand during the final scene.
“Connor kind of skates like an Olympian, and Hudson skates hockey-style,” Arnaud said. “I just wing it, like with everything else.”
A Global Hit—and a Glow-Up
Heated Rivalry, a gay romance set in professional hockey, has become a surprise international sensation. Though the series emphasizes relationships over high-octane sports action, the actors had mere weeks to get in pro-athlete shape before filming started.
Arnaud’s transformation is a blend of dedication, humor, and a little bit of fantasy. Watching him move on-screen, it’s clear he nailed the “hockey hottie” look. The tight Under Armour, the toned arms, the effortless confidence—it’s no wonder fans are buzzing online.
For a peek inside his workout, including full-body exercises, running tips, and even his smoothie habits, Arnaud’s routine is now online. It’s proof that a commitment to training, and a little charm, can turn an actor into a bona fide heartthrob.
