How Emily Bett Rickards Transformed Her Body To Be 'Queen of the Ring'
Emily Bett Rickards is certainly no "palooka" in Queen of the Ring. The film, which hit theaters in the U.S. on March 7, portrays the real-life story and career of Mildred Burke, the world's very first million-dollar female athlete, according to Collider. Burke paved her way to stardom during a time when female wrestling was illegal in a good part of the country.
Rickards drew inspiration for the role from many photos of Burke; her next step was working with just the right team to help her achieve a defined boxer's body to truly get into character.
One of Rickards' trainers, Tom Taylor, provided guidance and put Rickards in touch with Dr. Diego Botezelli, who curated an effective workout routine and nutrition plan for her to follow.
"It takes a team to change your body, and dedication, for sure," Rickards told Collider. "Keep in mind that my dedication is not only propelled by my dream of acting and wanting to transform, but there's also a team of people behind me. I had so much guidance and I wouldn't have been able to do it without them. I wouldn't have had any knowledge. I don't know what I would have done. I probably would have just done bicep curls and given up."
What did Rickards' intense routine involve? Let's take a closer look.
Rickards Followed a Strict Diet
The star followed a very strict diet that featured macros and a detailed nutritional breakdown. It included a high protein content, plenty of carbs, and low fat, Collider reports.
Rickards also stressed in a Queen of the Ring post of herself flexing her muscles, "I highly encourage anyone who wants to change their relationship with food, learn about longevity, or improve their health and strength, to deepen their knowledge about nutrition. This knowledge has changed the way I live my life, and it tickles me every time I learn more."
She Stayed Consistent With Her Workouts During Production
According to UPI, Rickards kicked off training three months prior to filming and stayed strong with her workout regimen throughout the 10-week production period. She apparently ditched cardio exercises, such as running and kickboxing, in order to dedicate 100% of her attention to building muscle.
Rickards Did Daily Weight Training
Rickards told Collider that her Queen of the Ring workout included daily weight training and incorporating "slow, heavy, minimal reps and different body parts every day, six or seven days a week."
The actress added, "The other thing is that, visually for camera, anyone who was on set would tell you that I had a little wagon of weights, so I would do quick pumps before every single take. I was not only working out in the morning, but I was working out throughout the day. It was a lot of work."
She Received Expertise From Pro Wrestlers
Burke's stunt double, Kelly Phelan, did the majority of the falls while filming. Rickards, however, was eager to do the bulk of the wrestling herself, according to UPI.
In an interview with Wrestling Inc., Rickards revealed that preparing for the role required understanding the history behind the sport, many wrestling rehearsals, and mastering choreography. The star also worked with professional wrestler, Allen Ray Sarven, also known as AI Snow, during her training.
"He has a very calming presence, even when he is talking about, well, I guess to me were really large things, like getting thrown upside down and things like that," Rickards told Wrestling Inc. "There's a real groundedness to him, to a lot of wrestlers actually, I have to say. There's a passion, but it's not like up in the air. It's grounded in something rooted and it makes you feel safe to dream in that area and play in that arena."
