Chris Evans

Chris Evans

Chris Evans credits gymnastics for helping him to get in shape for his new movie.

The 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' star, who transformed him physique for the film, was forced to follow a very strict workout routine before shooting the blockbuster, as producers wanted him to look lean and muscular but realistic.

The 32-year-old star told Jimmy Fallon on 'The Tonight Show': "We tried to do a little bit more gymnastics. Balance beams."

He jokingly added: "I had a whole ribbon routine."

The hunky actor recently insisted he has no plans to quit acting in favour of directing, just weeks after admitting he was fed up of being in front of the camera.

He said: "By no means am I planning on retiring. It's kind of a silly statement. But I certainly am going to try to focus a bit more on directing at this point."

He added: "I said that I directed last year. I really responded to it. I really enjoyed it. I'd love to focus a little bit more on that."

Chris attempted to clarify comments he made in an interview last month, during which he said: "I've known for a while I wanted to direct. But [time] never really opens up. There's another movie to do, there's another acting job. It just got to a point where I was like, you know what - I have to do this.

"If I'm acting at all, it's going to be under Marvel contract, or I'm going to be directing. I can't see myself pursuing acting strictly outside of what I'm contractually obligated to do."