Vincent Cassel has long been known for his lean, athletic physique, but the French actor has recently drawn attention for looking more muscular than ever at 60.

Best known for roles in Black Swan, La Haine and Crimson Rivers, Cassel shared a recent Instagram post showing off his impressively defined physique while spending time at the beach with his young son.

‘Papa de Caetano,’ he wrote in Portuguese alongside the image, which quickly prompted praise from fans in the comments.

Naturally lean, Cassel has maintained an active lifestyle for decades through a combination of training, surfing and careful nutrition. But despite his athletic frame, the actor has previously admitted that dramatically changing his body for film roles has not always come easily.

For his role as French gangster Jacques Mesrine in 2008’s Mesrine: Killer Instinct, Cassel was asked to gain around 20kg – something he later described as a miserable experience.

The actor revealed that forcing himself to eat enough to gain weight caused him to lose enjoyment in food altogether. After filming wrapped, it reportedly took him months to return to his normal eating habits, even skipping meals in an attempt to lose weight more quickly before eventually regaining his usual lean physique.

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Outside of training, Cassel has also spoken openly about the importance of protecting his mental wellbeing.

Speaking previously to Vanity Fair, the actor explained that he practises mindfulness when possible, particularly during moments alone.

‘I try to identify negative thoughts – the things that make me feel nervous or unhappy – and put them into perspective,’ he said.

Cassel also credits exercise and surfing as major contributors to both his physical and mental health.

‘Foil surfing is a huge passion of mine. I’ve always exercised and always believed I needed to maintain a certain level of physical health – and therefore mental health too. I need to feel good.’

Still, the actor has a realistic outlook on ageing.

‘I always think about something my father used to say that made me laugh,’ Cassel explained. ‘If you wake up after 50 and nothing hurts, it means you’re dead.’

‘I have aches and pains,’ he added, ‘so I can say I’m very much alive.’