Corey Taylor, the frontman of the iconic metal band Slipknot, has not only captivated audiences with his powerful vocals and intense stage presence but has also inspired many with his remarkable weight loss journey. His story is one of dedication, perseverance, and a complete lifestyle transformation.
Embracing a Healthier Lifestyle
In June 2018, Corey Taylor shared before-and-after photos on social media, showcasing his impressive weight loss. He revealed that it had been over a year since he had drastically changed his diet and lifestyle. Taylor urged his followers that if he could do it, they could too.
Prior to his transformation, Taylor mentioned that he had completely revamped his diet and exercise routine. He emphasized that anyone who doubts their ability to change should remember they are indeed capable.
The Pre-Transformation Diet and Workout Regimen
Before embarking on his weight loss journey, Corey Taylor followed a pescatarian diet for a year, excluding red meat and poultry, and focusing on seafood and vegetables. Before that, in 2014, he adhered to a vegetarian diet. Entering his weight loss project, he wasn't eating any meat at all.
A typical breakfast consisted of a large protein shake and a fruit parfait made at home with Greek yogurt and granola. For a midday snack, he would have a veggie wrap from Publix with kettle chips. Lunch was simple, like egg whites and sweet potato, followed by another shake. Dinner at home was a creative affair, with dishes like mashed cauliflower potatoes and green peppers. He said that he was lean, had more energy, and his hair and fingernails were growing like crazy. It was great.
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Taylor's workout regimen was intense. He described himself as someone who loves life and goes "120 miles an hour with my tongue out." His workouts included running with parachutes, jump rope with ankle weights, and running with a gas mask to make breathing difficult. By noon, he would go to a park and film short instructional videos of himself doing pull-ups and push-ups, or climb a mountain. In the evening, he would work out in the gym, lifting heavy weights to bulk up. At night, he conducted a 45-minute interval training boot camp. He estimated burning upwards of 5500 calories a day, taking about 22,000 steps a day through constant activity and motion. He said that he couldn’t have gained weight even if he wanted to because he was always busy and always on the go all the time.
He retrained his palate, preferring natural sugar over refined sugar. For a sweet fix, he would dice up five apples and top them with milk, peanut butter, granola, flax seeds, cinnamon, raisins, and crumbled graham crackers. He ate until he was full, never overdoing it. He always told his clients that you know you’ve reached the pinnacle when your cheat foods are still healthier than most people’s healthy foods.
Feeling at His Peak
During this period, Corey Taylor felt like he was at his peak. He felt like he had reached a point, physically, that he had never reached before. He described it as a renaissance, saying he was finally able to dunk a basketball at age 26. He had definition in places he had never seen before and was faster than he had ever been. Life began to be something new for him. He felt like he could do anything.
The Experiment: Gaining Weight and the Unexpected Outcome
Corey Taylor decided to undertake an experiment: to gain 45 percent body fat and then lose it. He saw it as a challenge. During the project, he went out a lot and found that he got way more attention from the ladies when he was fatter than when he was fit. He said that he was more approachable. It forced him to let his pride and ego go out the window. He discovered many more sides to himself that he didn’t know existed. He was forced to talk about what it takes to live healthy. He was forced to talk about the things he wanted to just show you. It forced him to hone in on those. So now he is able to get to people on a deeper level now. It changed how he sees fitness. It’s so much more than the body you have. It’s your appreciation of yourself and your life. It’s about being healthy. And spiritually and emotionally, he grew up because he went through something he couldn’t really prepare for and he had to do it alone.
Corey Taylor's Evolving Perspective on Fitness
Corey Taylor's weight loss journey has not only transformed his body but also his perspective on fitness. He now sees it as more than just physical appearance; it's about overall well-being, self-appreciation, and a healthy lifestyle. He considers himself more than just a personal trainer, referring to himself as a life coach or specialist.
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The Taco Truck Venture and Plant-Based Diet
Taylor and his wife, Alicia Dove, are opening a plant-based taco truck. Taylor credits a plant-based diet for improving his health.
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Positivity
Corey Taylor has faced numerous challenges throughout his career and personal life, including the collapse of his marriage, band turmoil, and physical ailments. He has spoken openly about his struggles with depression and the work it takes to maintain a positive outlook.
He found himself again in a time where he was so lost. He didn’t really know who he was. It took a lot of therapy, a lot of self-exploration, a lot of time getting away from some certain circumstances and certain people and realizing that it was okay to be me. He’s reconnecting with friends, people who had been extricated from my life. Another reason that he’s a lot happier is his family right now, from his fiancée to his kids. He rediscovered the life that he had been wanting in the first place, and it’s been great.
The Physical Toll and Adapting to Change
Taylor acknowledges the physical toll of touring and performing for over 20 years. He emphasizes the importance of staying in shape to endure the demands of his career. He quit smoking and drinking, which significantly improved his vocal range and recovery time.
Slipknot's Evolution and Future
Despite facing numerous challenges, including the death of bassist Paul Gray and the departure of drummer Joey Jordison, Slipknot has persevered and continues to evolve. Taylor believes the band has returned to a creative place reminiscent of their earlier albums, Iowa and Vol. 3.
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The Message of "We Are Not Your Kind"
Slipknot's album "We Are Not Your Kind" carries a message of unity, acceptance, and standing up against division and negativity. Taylor hopes the album will inspire people to embrace their individuality and come together in a place where they feel good about who they are.