Global music superstar Ed Sheeran has revealed a strikingly muscular new physique, marking a dramatic departure from his previously casual image. The 34-year-old singer-songwriter appears shirtless, showcasing a chiselled six-pack and sculpted arms in the latest edition of Men's Health UK magazine.
From Fast Food to Fitness: A Dad's Reality Check
The British artist, famed for his heartfelt lyrics and acoustic melodies, attributes his physical transformation to a lifestyle overhaul prompted by the birth of his daughters. Following the arrival of his first child, Lyra, now five, in 2020, and later his second daughter, Jupiter, with wife Cherry Seaborn, Sheeran decided to prioritise his health.
"I became a dad," Sheeran explained, recalling a pivotal moment shortly after Lyra's birth. "I remember Lyra was two weeks old and I had my best mate round and we had a bottle of wine. I went to bed, then Lyra woke up 20 minutes after I’d fallen asleep." The experience served as a reality check, making him reconsider his habits to be a more present and capable parent.
He has since embraced a rigorous routine of regular gym sessions, reformer pilates, and a fat-free diet, ditching the fast food that once defined his lifestyle. "I want to be a responsible dad, wanting to feel and look good," he stated. "I didn’t want to pick my kid up and have my back fucked and stuff like that."
The 'Superhuman' Goal: Balancing Health with Hedonism
Despite his newly disciplined regime, Sheeran is keen to stress he hasn't abandoned enjoyment altogether. He insists that, at heart, he remains a "pizza-eating, beer-guzzling smoker," but that his reality as a parent in his thirties demands better choices.
"I’m not saying I’m done with enjoying myself, I still drink. I love red wine, I love a nice meal, but it’s not every day," he clarified, advocating for moderation. His fitness journey, which began with running his first 10K during the Covid pandemic, has become a crucial part of his life and his professional performance.
"It all feeds into professional life… I wanted to feel superhuman on stage," Sheeran admitted, highlighting how his improved fitness directly benefits his energetic live shows.
Inspired by Stormzy and Connecting with Fans
Sheeran revealed that observing his friend, grime artist Stormzy, was a significant catalyst for his fitness commitment. "I went to play with him in 2021 and he was doing a hundred press-ups before he went on stage and I was staring at him like, 'What the fuck is this about?'" he recalled.
The "Shape of You" hitmaker also believes his relatable parental motivation will resonate with his vast fanbase. "I do think it’s relatable for parents to suddenly want to be a bit more healthy," he said, recommending reformer pilates as a gentle introduction to fitness.
Reflecting on his past, Sheeran conceded he lived "a pretty unhealthy life from 20 to 30," which left him feeling consistently poor mentally and physically. His transformation represents a conscious shift towards sustained wellness as he moves into his third decade as a top artist.
The full, in-depth interview is available in the next issue of Men’s Health UK, on sale from December 23, or can be read now on the Men's Health website.
