Ed Sheeran is known for catchy love songs and heartfelt lyrics—but lately, he’s making headlines for a different kind of performance.
In a viral Instagram video, the Grammy-winning artist effortlessly navigates a Reformer Pilates machine, prompting fans to marvel at his surprising new fitness routine.
“Didn’t have Ed Sheeran down as a Pilates princess,” wrote one viewer. Another added, “Let’s go fit king! Making it look easier than it is.”
But this isn’t just a fun internet moment. It’s part of a bigger shift—one that’s changing how men approach fitness, aging, and overall wellness.
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From Stage to Studio: Sheeran Embraces Reformer Pilates
The video, shared by UK-based Pilates studio MK Reformed, shows Sheeran gliding through a challenging Dynamic Reformer Pilates session without so much as a tremble. For fans, the sight was both shocking and inspiring.
“We’re so proud to be working with Ed on his health, fitness, and nutrition in 2025 and beyond,” the studio shared.
Pilates has long been associated with women and A-list celebrities like Meghan Markle and Jennifer Aniston. But now, the reformer trend is shifting. More men are stepping onto the machine—and Sheeran is just the latest example.
Why Reformer Pilates Is Catching On With Men
Sheeran’s newfound glow isn’t a fluke. Reformer Pilates is a full-body, low-impact workout that builds strength, flexibility, and stability—all while protecting the joints.
“It’s kind to your knees, hips, and spine,” says Sol Scheinmann, founder of Pilates Matters. “But it also delivers serious strength-building benefits, making it an ideal alternative to high-intensity workouts or weightlifting.”
Fitness trainer Aimee Victoria Long agrees. “Pilates is brilliant for men because it helps lengthen and strengthen muscles, supports better posture and core stability, and adds agility without bulk,” she says.
In other words, it’s perfect for guys who want to stay strong and lean without pounding their joints or risking burnout.
A-List Trendsetters Are Leading the Charge
Ed Sheeran isn’t alone. He joins a growing list of male celebrities embracing Pilates, including:
- Harry Styles
- Jack Grealish
- Andy Murray
- Tiger Woods
- LeBron James
- David Beckham
This isn’t just about vanity. For pro athletes and performers, staying injury-free is crucial. Pilates offers that safety net.
“Pilates forces you to slow down and control every movement,” says Long. “That kind of precision translates directly to athletic performance.”
Sheeran’s Health Overhaul: More Than Just Pilates
In recent interviews, Sheeran revealed that his wellness journey doesn’t stop at the reformer.
On the Call Her Daddy podcast, he shared that he’s now sober, limiting alcohol to an occasional glass of wine on date nights with his wife. That shift is more than symbolic. Alcohol dehydrates the skin, disrupts sleep, and accelerates aging.
“Cutting back on alcohol is one of the simplest—and most impactful—ways to support a more youthful appearance,” says OMNI Wellness nutritionist Xuxa Milrose.
Sheeran is also leaning into healthy habits that go far beyond the gym.
How Ed Sheeran Might Be Aging in Reverse
TikTok users are calling it the “Pilates glow,” but fans think Sheeran looks a full decade younger than his 34 years. A viral before-and-after photo comparing his 2014 and 2025 red carpet appearances has the internet wondering: Is Ed Sheeran aging in reverse?
While some of the glow-up is genetics and good lighting, experts say smart lifestyle tweaks play a major role. Here are a few habits Sheeran and other wellness-minded men are leaning into:
1. Cold Exposure for Skin and Recovery
Sheeran jokes about facial ice baths in his morning routine TikTok—but there’s truth behind the satire.
“Cold plunging boosts circulation, tightens pores, and reduces inflammation,” says Alex Manos, functional medicine expert at The HVN. “Over time, it promotes clearer, firmer, more vibrant skin.”
2. Skincare Isn’t Just for Women Anymore
With men’s beauty spending up 77% in the UK year-over-year, it’s clear that skincare is no longer taboo.
“Skincare in your 30s is all about consistency,” explains aesthetics doctor David Jack. “Daily SPF is non-negotiable. For visible signs of aging, resurfacing treatments and retinoids can reverse sun damage and smooth the skin.”
3. Supplements That Work From the Inside Out
In a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it TikTok moment, Sheeran stirs a supplement into his drink—a move backed by science.
“Key nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, B-complex, and omega-3s support collagen production, skin clarity, and overall energy,” says Milrose.
4. Tweakments, Not Overhauls
Although Sheeran hasn’t confirmed any cosmetic procedures, tweakments like Botox are now common among men.
“It’s not about changing your face,” says Dr. Joney De Souza. “It’s about softening lines and keeping a fresh, well-rested look.”
The New Masculinity: Fit, Balanced, and Unapologetically Well
From cutting down on alcohol to embracing Pilates and skincare, Ed Sheeran is quietly reshaping what wellness looks like for men in their 30s.
This isn’t about six-packs or perfection. It’s about longevity, energy, and feeling good in your own skin.
As Pilates expert Scheinmann puts it: “Reformer Pilates meets you where you are. You don’t have to be flexible. You just have to show up.”
With stars like Sheeran leading the way, more men are realizing that wellness isn’t soft—it’s smart. And if it comes with a little extra glow? All the better.
