Are you in love with the shape of Ed Sheeran? Pop Star reveals fitness secret that actually worked for him

He may look like the guy next door, ginger curls, plain T-shirt, guitar slung across his shoulder, but once Ed Sheeran steps on stage, something changes. The ever charming songwriter turns into a one-man storm, looping, singing, running, and jumping his way through a three-hour set like it’s nothing.

He barely stops to breathe, yet never misses a note. You watch him and think, how does he do it? What fuels that kind of energy night after night?It turns out, it isn’t some crazy workout routine or cardio marathons. It’s something much calmer, and far more surprising. Pilates.Yes, that Pilates, the workout most people still (wrongly) associate with ballet dancers and yoga mats. But for Sheeran, it’s become the secret weapon that’s reshaped not just his body, but his stamina, focus, and state of mind.When asked if he’s ever tried Pilates, Sheeran didn’t hesitate. “That’s all I do. I love it. I’ve been doing it on maximum spring since January. It’s good for the core, good for the mind, that’s probably the most in-shape I have gotten. I’m not squishy anymore,” the Shape of You singer said in an interview. Fans who follow his vlogs have seen snippets of him on the reformer machine, proof that this isn’t just another celebrity fad.

Sheeran’s consistency is remarkable, especially as he continues his world tour, which stretches into early 2026.

The training

Behind Sheeran’s renewed energy is personal trainer Matt Kendrick, founder of West Midlands-based MK Health Hub. Kendrick, who has also trained Demi Lovato, Little Mix, and the Black Eyed Peas, told BBC that he joined Sheeran’s global tour earlier this year to help the star focus on his health.“We met Ed in Dubai, end of Jan, and from there, it was literally India, China, all over the US, Europe, it’s been a real journey, it’s been an incredible experience,” Kendrick said.He explained that Sheeran trains using Reformer Pilates, a machine-based version of Pilates that uses springs and pulleys to add resistance. “I can genuinely, honestly, say he is one of the nicest people you could possibly meet,” he added.Kendrick even carries a foldable reformer machine on tour to ensure that Sheeran’s workouts don’t stop, no matter the city. Together, they’ve been practicing Dynamic Pilates, a faster-paced variation designed to build strength, endurance, and coordination.

What is Reformer Pilates?

Reformer Pilates takes traditional Pilates, which focuses on balance, breath, and controlled movement, and elevates it using a sliding carriage and spring resistance. According to Healthline, the workout “builds full-body strength, improves flexibility, and enhances core stability while staying low impact.”Each session is guided by six core principles: concentration, control, centering, flow, precision, and breathing. This combination not only tones the body but also engages the mind, which Sheeran credits for keeping him focused through long performances and grueling travel schedules.

The misconception

Contrary to popular belief, Pilates wasn’t created for women. It was developed by Joseph H. Pilates, a man who designed the method while being held in an internment camp on the Isle of Man in the early 1900s. His goal was to improve his own health and that of his fellow male detainees.Over time, Pilates gained popularity among ballet dancers for its injury-preventive benefits, a shift that mistakenly branded it as a “women’s workout.” In reality, many men have embraced its benefits, from athletes to artists. David Beckham, Harry Styles, and now Ed Sheeran are all part of that growing list.While it has worked for Ed Sheeran, Pilates isn’t the only area where Sheeran has made lifestyle changes. In an early 2025 episode of Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy podcast, he revealed that he’s also given up daily drinking. “I used to drink every day,” he admitted. “Now I look forward to a once-a-week date night with my wife where we share a bottle of wine.”Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment.