Ed Sheeran is feeling stronger, leaner, and more determined than ever.
The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter recently opened up about his current health goals—and why achieving a six-pack has become a personal mission.
In a revealing conversation during SiriusXM’s Small Stage Series with Andy Cohen, Sheeran shared how fatherhood, lifestyle changes, and a desire to see how far he can push his physical limits have sparked what he calls the “best shape” of his life.
But behind the abs lies a story of resilience, slip-ups, and surprising strategies you might not expect from one of the world’s biggest artists.
Here’s how Ed Sheeran transformed his health—and how his struggles and habits could offer practical inspiration for your own fitness journey.
Jump to:
- Ed Sheeran’s Weight Loss Was Fueled By a Personal Challenge
- He’s Never Had a Six-Pack—But He’s Working on It
- Running—and Fresh Air—Kickstarted His Fitness Habit
- Consistency and Small Changes Made the Biggest Difference
- From 50 Pounds Lost to a Fitness Mindset
- No Gym? No Problem—Ed Swapped Workouts for Walks
- Key Takeaways from Ed Sheeran’s Fitness Evolution
- Inspiration Beyond the Spotlight
Ed Sheeran’s Weight Loss Was Fueled By a Personal Challenge
Sheeran, 34, says he committed to losing weight after noticing he’d gained a significant amount last year.
“I’d put on a load of weight,” he admitted during the SiriusXM appearance, “and I was like, ‘I’m gonna hit the gym heavy, try and lose a stone [about 14 pounds].’”
That initial goal quickly evolved. As the weight came off, Sheeran began to wonder what was physically possible for him. He said, “I was like, ‘I’m gonna see how far I can take this.’”
He’s Never Had a Six-Pack—But He’s Working on It
For Sheeran, achieving six-pack abs isn’t about cosmetic perfection—it’s about testing his limits.
“I’ve never actually ever had a six pack in my life,” he said. “I was like, ‘I’m gonna see if I can do it.’”
While he admits he’s not following a flawless diet (“I keep messing up, ‘cause I keep being out somewhere like, ‘I’ll have a couple of beers…’”), the progress is undeniable.
“I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life,” Sheeran said proudly.
Running—and Fresh Air—Kickstarted His Fitness Habit
Years before this current challenge, Sheeran took major steps to improve his overall health by quitting smoking in 2019.
That decision, he said, led him to start running—a strategy that didn’t require a gym membership or high-end trainers.
“There’s nothing like fresh air to really give you a clean out,” he explained on the Behind the Metal podcast. “That’s, for me, the main reason why I started doing it.”
In fact, Sheeran has long preferred outdoor, low-pressure exercise over traditional routines. “I’m not a big fan of gyms,” he admitted. Instead, he relied on walks, runs, and casual activity to shed his initially unwanted pounds.
Consistency and Small Changes Made the Biggest Difference
In a 2021 interview with BBC Radio 1, Sheeran explained how giving up “bad habit stuff” helped stabilize his weight and build a healthier lifestyle.
“I’ve kind of stopped all the bad habit stuff in my life. Started exercising every day,” he said. “I was eating like a takeaway every single day, and now I don’t eat takeaway every day and it’s been good.”
This simple shift—from daily junk food to mindful meals and regular movement—laid the foundation for his longer-term success.
From 50 Pounds Lost to a Fitness Mindset
Sheeran’s journey hasn’t been a short one. Back in 2019, he revealed that he’d lost over 50 pounds after quitting cigarettes and committing to fitness.
His experience is a testament to the power of gradual change. Unlike crash diets or celebrity cleanses, Sheeran focused on sustainable effort, patience, and experimenting with what works for him.
This shift in mindset—from vanity to vitality—helped rewire his goals and gave him long-term motivation.
No Gym? No Problem—Ed Swapped Workouts for Walks
Many fans might assume that a superstar like Sheeran works out with celebrity trainers or follows hardcore fitness plans.
But his actual strategy is refreshingly down-to-earth. He’s openly said he didn’t enjoy gyms and instead leaned into accessible exercise like walking and running—especially outdoors.
“I love it,” he once said. “You finish a run and you feel like you’ve done something. It clears your head.”
This approach also aligns with public health recommendations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), just 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week can significantly reduce the risk of chronic illness—even if it’s just brisk walking.
Key Takeaways from Ed Sheeran’s Fitness Evolution
- Start with one change: For Sheeran, that was quitting smoking. Small changes snowball into bigger habits.
- Set a bold goal: Aiming for a six-pack gave him something to work toward, even if it wasn’t perfect.
- Be flexible: Life happens. He slipped up with beer and meals, but didn’t let it derail his progress.
- Find your movement style: Whether gym-averse or yoga-curious, fitness should be enjoyable.
- Track how you feel, not just how you look: Ultimately, Sheeran says it best: “I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life.”
Inspiration Beyond the Spotlight
What makes Sheeran’s transformation stand out isn’t just the physical results—it’s the relatable nature of his story.
He didn’t overhaul his life overnight. He didn’t chase gym perfection. Most importantly, he didn’t let setbacks stop him from aiming high.
Whether you’re eyeing a six-pack or hoping to lose a few pounds for personal reasons, Ed Sheeran’s journey is proof that with consistency, patience, and the right mindset, lasting change is possible—one run, one meal, one decision at a time.
