Shape Of You! Ed Sheeran unveils his incredibly muscular new physique after fatherhood helped him discover a love of fitness – but says ‘underneath it all I am a pizza-eating, beer-guzzling smoker’

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Ed Sheeran is famous for his heartfelt songs, emotional singing, and popular acoustic sound. However, he’s recently revealed a surprising new look in a recent photoshoot.

Ed Sheeran recently showed off a surprisingly fit physique in Men’s Health UK. He traded his usual baggy T-shirts for a glimpse of a toned six-pack, defined chest, and sculpted, tattooed biceps.

The 34-year-old British celebrity has gotten in great shape by giving up junk food and starting to exercise. This change came after he and his wife, Cherry Seaborn, welcomed their two daughters, Lyra and Jupiter.

Even though Ed Sheeran has gotten in shape through consistent workouts and a healthy diet, he says he’ll always remain true to his original self.

He explained that staying fit simply became a positive part of his life. While he admitted he still has those indulgent tendencies – enjoying pizza, beer, and even smoking – he doesn’t live that lifestyle anymore, especially as a parent in his thirties. He believes it’s all about making healthy choices.

I hadn’t run much before – my longest distance was only a kilometer – but I completed my first 10K during the pandemic. Gradually working towards that goal really improved my mood and overall well-being.

I’m in my thirties now, and that’s where I’m at in life. I still enjoy having fun – I still drink, and I love a good glass of red wine with a nice meal – but I don’t do it all the time anymore.

Becoming a dad to Lyra back in 2020 was a total game-changer for me. It really made me re-evaluate things and decide it was time to shift gears with my lifestyle. It was a beautiful wake-up call, honestly!

He shared that becoming a father was a huge moment for him. He recalled when his daughter, Lyra, was just two weeks old, he had a friend over and they enjoyed a bottle of wine. Shortly after he went to bed, Lyra woke up about twenty minutes after he’d finally drifted off to sleep.

I woke up feeling terrible and immediately regretted drinking, realizing it would prevent me from enjoying my evening plans. I really want to be able to stay out and have fun at night.

I was really focused on becoming a good dad and taking care of myself at the same time. I didn’t want to be in pain when I was doing things with my child, like picking them up.

‘And then also that feeds into professional life… I wanted to feel superhuman on stage.’ 

Considering that, Sheeran—who often connects with his fans—hopes his commitment to a healthier lifestyle, motivated by his family, will inspire others who admire him.

He explained that many parents suddenly feel motivated to prioritize their health and establish a routine. He believes reformer Pilates is a great starting point because it’s a gentle and accessible way to begin a fitness journey.

I’m not suggesting everyone needs to become an athlete or drastically change their diet. It’s simply about finding a healthy balance.

He shared that he’s always felt a strong connection with his fans and is truly thankful for their interest in his music.

If I’m performing at a small show and even just three people show up to listen, I’d definitely want to chat with them afterward. I’d be really thankful they took the time to come.

Many of my songs have become part of important moments in my fans’ lives, and that creates a special connection between us that lasts, no matter what, because of the memories we share through the music.

After thirty years as a working artist, Ed Sheeran thinks the fast pace of his early career negatively impacted his health.

He described his twenties and thirties as a period of unhealthy habits. Despite professional success during that time, he felt it didn’t translate into a fulfilling personal life.

I believe your physical wellness is closely linked to your mental and emotional state. I personally struggled with feeling bad about myself – I’d often wake up and immediately feel disgusted with how I looked and felt.

You know, when I first started really focusing on my health, I was hugely inspired by my friend Stormzy. Watching his dedication to fitness – his daily workouts, especially – really motivated me to get moving too. It’s amazing how much influence the people around you can have on your own habits!

He mentioned that seeing someone like Stormzy and the intense preparation he does for touring was a major inspiration.

I saw him in 2021 before one of his performances, and I was shocked to see him doing a hundred push-ups. I remember thinking, ‘What on earth is he doing?’

You can read the complete interview in the next issue of Men’s Health UK, which hits newsstands on December 23rd. It’s also available to read right now on the Men’s Health website.

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2025-12-19 03:06