Michael Strahan is a man of many talents. The Pro Football Hall of Famer is an NFL legend, sports commentator, friendly daytime TV and game show host, and most recently clothing line designer with his MSX by Michael Strahan collection. No matter what he's doing for his day job (or jobs), he has always worked hard to keep his body in top shape. From his early days using Jane Fonda's workout tapes to his current focus on functional movements and flexibility, Strahan's approach to fitness has evolved significantly. This article explores Strahan's fitness journey, his workout routines, diet tips, and expert advice from his trainer, Latreal Mitchell.
Early Fitness Foundations
The start of Strahan's journey with physical fitness is decidedly not what you would expect from someone who became one of the most feared pass rushers in pro football history. After realizing that his older brothers were mocking his backside at age 13, young Michael decided it was time to get toned. His guide? One of the most iconic workouts in fitness history. As popular as his newfound workout was at the time, it might be the last thing you'd envision as a first step into the fitness and training world for a top-tier defensive end. "I literally bought the Jane Fonda VHS tape," Strahan said when he stopped by Men's Health HQ to discuss his lifelong fitness journey. "I would watch TV-every commercial break I would do pushups and situps. Or, I would do the leg lifts just like Jane Fonda."
Strahan soon moved on to more consistently programmed workouts with his father, Major Gene "Willie" Strahan, Sr., after Michael proved his dedication and consistency to training. The two exercised together daily, using programs that Strahan Sr. created using information from magazines and an early home computer. military post. to play football in high school. Michael wound up with a scholarship to Texas State University, became an NFL prospect, and landed with the New York Giants.
The NFL Years: Bulking Up and the Shift in Focus
That's when he began to gain weight to compete in the league, using a diet of fast food to ballon up to 285 pounds on his 6'5'' frame. "It just wasn't me," Strahan recounted. "And as I got older, I lost weight because I felt I didn't need the girth to help me when I was out of position on a play, I knew technique at that point. But once I figured out technique I didn't need the weight."
During his career, Strahan said that the main focus for his workouts was on heavy weights. Some of that training was just to show off strength-and once his playing days were over in 2008, he changed his focus again to drop his football weight.
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Post-NFL Transformation: Cardio, Flexibility, and Functional Movements
"I had to work with a lot more cardio," he said. "Flexibility, yoga-completely changed my life." The focus now is on using lighter weights and functional movements. Now, Strahan says he feels better now at 49 than he did at 25. This shift highlights the importance of adapting one's fitness routine to suit changing needs and goals.
Michael Strahan's Current Workout Routine
Check out this quick training session Strahan shared during his visit, and give it a try in your own routine. Just make sure to take note from him and listen to your body. Take a rest when you need it.
- Stretching: 10 minutes
- Walking Lunge: 3 sets of 20 yards
- Plyo Pushups on Bosu: 3 sets of 10 reps per side
- Heavy Bag Flip: 3 sets of 20 yards
- Dumbbell Bench Press: 3 sets of 8 reps
- Cable Chest Flies: 3 sets of 15 reps
Expert Advice from Trainer Latreal Mitchell
Michael Strahan's trainer reveals how to get in 'Magic Mike' chiseled shape. Latreal “La” Mitchell helped transform his body into tip-top shape, skyrocketing his confidence and muscle tone to conquer the silver screen-shirtless.
“The best weight-loss tip I can give is being patient,” Mitchell told ABC News. “If someone gains weight over the last 10 years, they want to lose it. All of a sudden they want to lose it now.
Strahan trains twice a day, three days a week, and throws in two more single sessions a week for good measure, usually taking weekends off completely. “Our morning workouts are high-endurance, functional sessions,” says Latreal Mitchell, Strahan’s trainer. “The second session of the day is heavy lifting-more of a bodybuilding split.” The combination keeps Strahan healthy and lean while maintaining muscle.
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Strahan's Diet and Nutrition
Strahan maintains a pretty healthy diet, but "being healthy" isn't the only prerequisite for food to be included in his diet. His focus on nutritional food intake started during his playing years when he switched his pregame meal from fast food to lighter foods like egg whites and toast. Even though liver is an excellent source of iron, Strahan is vehemently against ever consuming it.
You'll always see strawberries, blueberries, yogurt, coconut water, and Gorgie energy drinks in Strahan's fridge. You'll never see his fridge without grapes, but he's very serious about proper hygiene before indulging in his favorite snack. "Never straight off the street to the grapes. Always wash your hands." Like most of us, Strahan will gladly ingest cookies and ice cream as cheat meals. While he didn't claim these specifically as his cheat day options, the Houston, Texas, native still has fond memories of the southern delicacies from his hometown. Most days, though, the baked beans and potato salad of Texas barbeque are nothing more than a memory, like the burpees he'll gladly never do again.
Key Takeaways from Michael Strahan and Latreal Mitchell
- Patience is key: Weight loss is a gradual process.
- Embrace flexibility and mobility: Incorporate stretching and mobility exercises into your routine.
- Find activities you enjoy: Whether it's dancing, biking, or swimming, make exercise fun.
- Listen to your body: Don't push yourself too hard, especially in extreme conditions.
- Stay hydrated: Choose water, tea, or other low-sugar beverages.
- Prepare healthy snacks: Avoid unhealthy impulse choices by having nutritious options on hand.
- Incorporate family: Get your kids involved in physical activities.
- 80/20 rule: It’s a reality. I’m not afraid to take snacks with me and food while traveling
Strahan's Perspective on Fitness
"The exercise I hate the most reminds me so much of football that I have PTSD-burpees," Strahan says. "Full uniform, hot, humid, sweaty, and the coach is blowing the whistle. The second I was done with the NFL, I was done with burpees for life."Burpees excluded, his NFL career still motivates the Super Bowl champion even 16 years after his retirement. The Michael Strahan Brand owner says part of the reason why he still works out as hard as he does is the fear of running into his ex-teammates and getting the dreaded "looks like you gave up" review from them.
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