Michael Strahan Weight Loss: Does He Follow 80/20 Rule? His Diet and Workout Plans

By Sandy
Published on November 2, 2021, Updated on November 2, 2021

Michael Strahan's Weight Loss: Does He Follow 80/20 Rule? His Diet and Workout Plans. Photo credit: Instagram/michaelstrahan

The NFL legend and TV star feel better at 49 than he did at 25. 

The Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Strahan is a multi-talented individual. The NFL icon is a sports pundit, a cheerful daytime TV and game show presenter, and a clothing line designer with his MSX by Michael Strahan collection. No matter what his day job (or professions) are, he has always worked hard to keep his body in top form.

After landing with the New York Giants, Strahan began to gain weight to compete in the league. He eventually ballooned up to 285 pounds on his 6’5″ frame.  Strahan still weighs almost the same as he did during his playing days – between 247 and 252 pounds.

So, what’s the secret behind Strahan’s consistency in body weight? Continue reading to learn his diet plans and workout regimen!

Michael Strahan Weight Loss Journey

Strahan’s physical fitness journey began in an unexpected event for someone who would go on to become one of the most feared pass rushers in NFL history. At the age of 13, Michael realized his older brothers were criticizing his backside and decided it was time to get serious about fitness.

 

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His brothers would tease him, calling BOB, which meant Booty on Back. He then bought the Jane Fonda VHS tape and started working out just like Jane Fonda. He immediately moved on to more consistently structured workouts with his father, Major Gene “Willie” Strahan, Sr.

Michael Strahan Follows 80/20 Rule

Strahan explains that you can eat almost everything you like while still staying in shape if you follow one simple rule.

Strahan follows the 80/20 rule. He says:

“I’m a big believer in eating clean 80 per cent of the time—eating right and what’s good, but for 20 per cent of the time—I like ice cream, I like peanut M&M’s. I like all that stuff. But you know, 80/20 is what I keep in mind when it comes to eating and staying on track, especially during the summer, which is probably tough for anybody.”

Michael Strahan weight loss

Photo credit: Instagram/michaelstrahan

His trainer La Mitchell was quick to respond with a major caveat. He said:

“Most people are definitely not eating at an 80/20 pace. Most people eat healthy 20 per cent of the time, and 80 per cent of the time they’re eating junk and don’t realize it. You want to make sure that you’re putting the right things in your body.

Mitchell continued:

“Make your own smoothies, have your apples and almonds sliced up and ready to go. It’s about being prepared all the time. Just eating a salad yesterday, does not count as being healthy.”

Strahan and Mitchell don’t believe in deprivation; they believe in making better choices. This holds true for alcohol as well.

Besides, Strahan urges people to minimize sugar, dairy, and pasta; focus on a high-protein diet.

Michael Strahan’s Workout Regimen

The main focus for Strahan’s workouts during his playing career was on heavyweights. But once his playing days were over, he changed his focus to drop his football weight. He started working out with a lot more cardio and yoga sessions.

The former New York Giants defensive end now focuses on using lighter weights and functional movements. Check out his quick training session:

  • Stretching – 10 minutes
  • Walking Lunge – 3 sets of 20 yards
  • Plyo Pushups on Bosu – 3 sets of 10 reps per side
  • Heavy Bag Flip – 3 sets of 20 yards
  • Dumbbell Bench Press – 3 sets of 8 reps
  • Cable Chest Flies – 3 sets of 15 reps

(Reference from NewBeauty.com, MensHealth.com, Instagram.com)