Too Much Muscle? West Ham's Nuno Espirito Santo Bans Adama Traore From The Gym

Last Updated:March 03, 2026, 16:43 IST

Sometimes, less really is more. That's what Nuno believes especially when it comes to Traore and his physique.

Is there such a thing as too much of a good thing?

For West Ham boss Nuno Espírito Santo, the answer is yes — especially when it comes to Adama Traore’s muscles.

The West Ham United manager has revealed that Traoré has effectively been banned from lifting weights at the club’s Rush Green training ground.

The reason? Quite simply, he’s already built like a superhero.

“It’s incredible, his muscles. It’s genetics," Nuno said at Monday’s press conference.

“His genetics have been like this for some time now, and he should avoid the gym. I’ve told him to stay out of the gym.

In Nuno’s view, piling on more muscle could work against the winger.

“It’s one of the things that I think he needs to realise. It’s enough weight that he carries. He’ll do prevention work (in the gym), but he’s not in there lifting weights."

The topic resurfaced after teammate Crysencio Summerville posted a video of Traoré sitting on a weight bench before the 5–2 defeat to Liverpool FC. Traore denied actually lifting, and Nuno hopes it stays that way.

To be clear, this isn’t a total gym exile. Traore will still complete prevention and conditioning work, but just no heavy lifting.

Interestingly, Nuno joked that the opposite applies to young defender Airidas Golambeckis, who “needs some muscle" to cope with Premier League demands.

The 30-year-old Spaniard, who joined West Ham permanently from Fulham FC in January, previously worked under Nuno between 2018 and 2021 at Wolverhampton Wanderers — arguably the most productive spell of his career.

Despite making 15 appearances earlier this season for Fulham, Traore has yet to start a league match for West Ham, featuring only as a substitute against Chelsea FC, Burnley FC, Manchester United and Liverpool.

Despite his lack of involvement, Nuno has been pleased with the Spaniard’s integration with the team.

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