Terrell Eldorado Owens, born on December 7, 1973, is a former American football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL). A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Owens holds or shares several NFL records. Known for his athletic prowess, flamboyant touchdowns, and occasional controversial actions, T.O. is equally famous for his incredibly sculpted physique, maintaining a remarkably low body fat percentage of around 4-5%. This article delves into the diet and workout regimen that helped Terrell Owens achieve and maintain his peak physical condition throughout his successful NFL career.
Early Life and Influences
Terrell Owens was born in Alexander City, Alabama, to LC Russel and Marilyn Heard. His parents separated when he was young, and he was raised by his mother and grandmother, along with three siblings. He credits his discipline to the lessons he learned early on.
The foundation for Owens' dedication to fitness was laid during his time at Benjamin Russell High School. Football coaches instilled in their players the importance of strength training, motivating them to emulate the physiques of the older, more experienced athletes. Owens embraced this challenge, spending countless hours in the weight room.
The Importance of Diet
For Terrell Owens, diet is paramount. He follows a five-meal diet plan, consuming small meals every two to three hours to keep his metabolism running efficiently. This approach ensures a steady supply of energy throughout the day and prevents him from feeling overly hungry.
Key Components of Owens' Diet
Owens' diet primarily consists of:
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- Lean Protein: Chicken breasts and egg whites are staples, providing essential amino acids for muscle repair and growth. During football season, breakfast often includes 10 egg whites.
- Complex Carbohydrates: Baked potatoes and whole wheat toast provide sustained energy for workouts and daily activities.
- Vegetables: Veggies are a crucial component, offering vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Strategic Carb Restriction: Owens avoids carbohydrates after 6:00 PM.
Sample Meal Plan
While specific meal plans may vary, a typical day of eating for Terrell Owens might look like this:
- Breakfast: Cereal with a small glass of milk or 10 egg whites and a bowl of oatmeal (during football season).
- Mid-Morning Snack: An apple or granola bar.
- Lunch: A large lunch, consisting of lean protein, complex carbs, and vegetables.
- Dinner: Steamed chicken breast and broccoli, with a small portion of Sun Chips or Baked Lays, grapes or a banana, and possibly a yogurt.
- Post-Workout Snack: Piece of fruit, a granola bar, popcorn, or a yogurt.
Owens does allow for occasional indulgences, such as M&Ms and Pringles, but he generally avoids junk food year-round. He also enjoys eating at Boston Market.
The Bodylastics Workout
Terrell Owens' workout regimen is as disciplined as his diet. While many might expect a traditional weightlifting program, Owens incorporates resistance bands into his training. This approach stems from an injury he sustained earlier in his career. During rehabilitation, his physical therapist introduced him to resistance band exercises.
The "Rubber Band Man"
Owens' affinity for resistance bands earned him the nickname "Rubber Band Man" among his NFL peers. He even has his own line of resistance bands called "Bodylastics Terrell Owens Strong Man Edition Resistance Bands."
Benefits of Resistance Band Training
Owens and his personal trainer believe that resistance band training has significantly improved his athletic performance, increasing his speed and other skills.
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Advanced Training Protocols
The Terrell Owens Bodylastics workout incorporates advanced training protocols such as:
- Drop Sets: Performing an exercise until failure, then reducing the resistance and continuing.
- Supersets: Performing two exercises back-to-back without rest.
- Pyramids: Gradually increasing the weight or resistance with each set, then decreasing it.
Sample Exercises
The book offers various workouts for different fitness levels, including exercises targeting specific body parts and sports-specific training.
Some exercises are recommended to be done using Owens-branded resistance bands or canned food.
T.O.'s Finding Fitness
Terrell Owens shares his fitness philosophy in his book, "T.O.'s Finding Fitness." The book provides a complete breakdown of his diet and exercise program, including meal plans. It emphasizes consistent eating, with three small meals and three snacks throughout the day, consumed every few hours.
The book also offers workout routines for varying levels of athletes, exercises to develop specific body parts, and training programs for various sports, including baseball, golf, martial arts, tennis, basketball, and football.
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Discipline and Consistency
Owens attributes his success to "discipline and diet." He emphasizes that achieving a sculpted physique and peak performance is not an overnight process. It requires consistent effort and dedication to both nutrition and exercise.
He advises individuals to start with "baby steps," gradually increasing their workout duration and intensity. He also stresses the importance of making healthy living a primary goal.
Overcoming Challenges
Owens acknowledges the challenges of maintaining a strict diet and workout routine. He emphasizes the importance of rest and avoiding overexertion.