Skip Bayless, the prominent and polarizing figure in sports media known for his fervent energy and strong opinions on shows like "Undisputed," is equally renowned for his unwavering commitment to his fitness regime. This article delves into the details of Bayless's diet and workout, highlighting the consistency and discipline that have become hallmarks of his lifestyle.
A Glimpse into a Day in the Life
Bayless's day begins at 2:00 a.m. sharp, Monday through Friday. He relies on three alarms, but claims he never needs the second two. The first 20 minutes are dedicated to stretching while he catches up on overnight stories on his phone. He consumes a protein bar and heads to his exercise room, watching overnight highlights, sometimes on ESPN.
Cardio Commitment
An hour of running follows at 3:20 a.m.. Afterwards, he rushes to a meeting while consuming 20 vitamins, a protein shake, a bottle of Propel, and a blueberry bagel. Bayless is dedicated to his cardio routine. He has stated that he runs four days a week and bikes for three. On the bike, he aims for level 16, pushing himself until he is drenched in sweat. Weekends often find him in New York City, where he embarks on approximately 8-mile runs on Sundays.
He varies his routes depending on his mood, choosing from options like the 6.1-mile loop in Central Park, the sidewalks around the park's perimeter, the West Side Highway, or a 4-mile trail run in Southington, Conn. He has stated that he has missed only two days of cardio since April 1998, once due to a sinus infection and another time due to hepatitis A from bad sushi. Bayless himself said his motto is, “never miss a day”. He has said that if he's on the road and the hotel lacks a gym, he will find a 24-hour gym.
Fueling the Machine: Diet and Nutrition
Bayless's diet is as disciplined as his workout routine. He is known for eating the same meal ten times a week. For many years, while at ESPN, he ate steamed chicken and broccoli with white rice. He now orders from a meal service that provides him with two daily meals of baked chicken, steamed broccoli, and white rice. Sometimes, he adds a bit of Healthy Valley soup for flavor.
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He drinks a protein shake after his first meeting of the day. His one "vice" is Diet Mountain Dew, which he drinks with a straw. He aims to eat every three hours and often consumes Quest bars as meal replacements, even waking up at night to eat one.
Weightlifting and Stress Relief
After his show on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Bayless heads straight to the gym to lift weights. He views weightlifting as a way to blow off steam and release frustration. He has said that he lifts out his frustration.
The "Cheat" Meal and Weekend Indulgences
Despite his strict diet, Bayless allows himself one cheat meal per week: a single slice of pizza. On Saturdays, he and his wife visit Nate and Al’s Deli, where he orders an egg white omelette with turkey and broccoli cooked with Pam spray, along with half a bagel (no cream cheese or butter).
Consistency and Recovery
Bayless emphasizes the importance of consistency and avoiding rest days. He believes that taking a day off can lead to laziness. Even after surgeries, such as knee scopes, he quickly returns to his exercise routine, using the exercise bike for recovery.
The Mindset of a Champion
Bayless's dedication to fitness extends beyond physical health. He views it as a mental and emotional release, a way to stay sharp and manage the stress of his demanding career. He has said that people probably think he's a workout psycho and he is, but it's the only way he can keep himself mentally and physically right to get through the show.
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Bayless's Rebuttal to Doubters
In response to those who question his claims, Bayless remains steadfast. He dismisses internet criticism and stands by his commitment to his diet and workout routine.
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