The bodybuilding maverick joins us to share more on his newest strength-training program, DIG DEEPER, and 5 pieces of advice for those looking to transform their bodies.
Back in high school, my physical education teacher introduced me to the famous workout program INSANITY by BODi, (then known as Beachbody). I remember being in the gymnasium and seeing the image of fitness guru Shaun T projected onto the wall. He pumped out burpees like nobody’s business while I thought to myself, “Wow. I need to get to that level.”
It’s been almost a decade since then and I haven’t gotten to that point (yet), but nonetheless, my health journey has evolved in a very special way. Like many individuals, my primary motivation for getting into shape has always been to look a certain way, but that changed last year when I decided to revisit one of Shaun T’s programs.
Up until that point, my fitness journey had been filled with various workout programs and diets, but Hip Hop Abshelped me realize something very important. While trying to lose a few extra pounds before going on vacation, I was able to connect with my body in a way I didn’t anticipate.
As I delved deeper into the program, I truly felt the power of moving with intention. As someone who went from teaching dance classes as a teenager, to eventually transitioning to more traditional workouts catered towards losing weight, I realized that fitness is actually about feeling good in your body. Shaun T’s emphasis on trusting and believing in yourself is what helped me realize that last year.
His motivation is something I’ve held onto ever since. With the recent launch of his DIG DEEPER program, I spoke with Shaun T who shares all of the details as well as 5 pieces of advice for people looking to transform their bodies:
- Live your life where you are right now
“Many people lack motivation because they try to look like the model in the magazine or try to look like they did in high school,” says Shaun T. “Who wants to be 18 years old again? I know I don’t,” he laughs.
Shaun T emphasizes that many of us spend our energy thinking about how we used to look or what we wished we looked like—But that does us no favors. “So live your life where you are right now,” he says.
By that, Shaun T means to be on your own side. Nurture, respect, and love the body you currently have because it’s been there with you your entire life. Plus, who said you couldn’t have an amazing body at the age you’re at right now?
- Don’t be afraid to take breaks
When asked what he does to keep himself motivated, Shaun T admits there are days when he doesn’t always feel motivated. Even he, a BODi Super Trainer and one of the most famous fitness instructors of our time, has days where he doesn’t feel like working out.
To remedy this he shares, “If I’m ever lacking motivation, I take a break.” He explains that when you take breaks, you allow your body the opportunity to properly rest and recover, making working out, when you do, a much more enjoyable experience.
- Do what you can do
As we get older, Shaun T explains that we lose 3-5% of muscle mass every decade. That’s why it’s important to, “get out there, get to the gym, and lift,” Shaun T says, adding that he loves going to the gym because “everybody there trains hard.”
“It’s really motivating because a lot of people there are not aspiring to have a six-pack. They’re aspiring to be strong and to keep strong,” he says. “There’s a gentleman who actually did my DIG DEEPER program who was 65 years old. He went from 18% to 12% body fat.”
Shaun T emphasizes that “you can still maintain one hundred percent of what you can maintain,” so if 97% is your new 100%, then you’re going to maintain that new 100%. “I’m going to do everything in my power to debunk this theory by doing something about it and not just going along with what science says,” he continues.
- Consult your doctor
“We’re all human and we all have to do things that help us maintain our lifestyle,” Shaun T says. Being willing to consult your doctor about any health concerns you have is crucial when taking control of your health.
Maybe you need to change your nutrition, go on testosterone therapy, or get your hormones checked. Shaun T shares that he visits his doctor once a month for bloodwork, and doing so has helped him address what needs to be addressed so he can stay on top of his goals.
- Get uncomfortable
“My hope is that you want to change more than you want to remain the same,” he says. Shaun T explains that when you challenge yourself, that’s when real progress happens. For some, that can mean increasing your weights at the gym, while for others it could mean creating a workout schedule and sticking it through till the very end.
“You have to want to get uncomfortable because uncomfortableness is a step towards change,” he says.
Overall, Shaun T’s insights and programs have been transformative for many, including me. They’ve taught me that fitness is not just about aesthetics but also about creating a healthy and happy lifestyle that makes you feel good.
His latest strength-training program, DIG DEEPER, is unlike any other program he’s designed before. In it, he shares proven lifting techniques that have helped him with his own dramatic transformation and body recomposition, with the goal of helping you do the same! “It’s how you’ll reach peak physical and mental strength—and get absolutely shredded from head to toe,” he concludes.
To learn more about Shaun T’s DIG DEEPER program, visit BODi.com today!
