Olly Murs, the beloved British singer and television personality, has recently wowed fans with his impressive physical transformation. As he gears up for his tour with Take That and embraces life as a dad of two, Murs, now 40, is in arguably the best shape of his life. This transformation isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a testament to his dedication, hard work, and the guidance of his loyal personal trainers. Let’s delve into the story of Murs’ fitness journey and the people who helped him achieve his goals.
The Wake-Up Call and the Initial Transformation
Murs’ journey began in early 2020 when he posted a before-and-after shot on Instagram, showcasing a noticeably leaner physique. He admitted that he felt massive and that his weight was negatively impacting his energy levels and sleep. This realization motivated him to make significant adjustments to his lifestyle.
Rob Solly: The Foundation Builder
After undergoing knee surgery in 2019, Murs found himself sidelined. Once cleared to train again, he partnered with personal trainer Rob Solly. Their initial routine focused on building muscle and overall strength. Murs expressed his excitement about returning to the gym, emphasizing the positive impact on his mindset. He realized that physical fitness directly correlated with his mental well-being.
Solly, who worked with Murs for five years, designed home workouts with four key components:
- Muscle Mass: Building and maintaining muscle through strength training.
- Explosive Power: Incorporating exercises that enhance quick bursts of energy and agility.
- Mobility: Focusing on flexibility and range of motion to prevent injuries.
- Reaction: Improving reflexes and coordination.
In 2019, Murs revealed that he had cut out sugar and processed foods from his diet as he ramped up his training. This dietary change, combined with his workouts, helped him shed excess weight.
Taking it to the Next Level: Boxing and Harvey Horn
More recently, Murs has credited boxing training with taking his fitness to the next level. He began learning the basics of boxing and genuinely liked what he saw after 18 months of consistent effort.
Harvey Horn: The Boxing Mentor
Murs has been training under the guidance of former Team GB boxer Harvey Horn. A recent video showed Murs powering through sparring drills, functional workouts, and heavy lifting, suggesting that his training is performance-driven. Horn’s expertise has not only helped Murs improve his physique but also enhanced his overall fitness and performance capabilities.
The 12-Week Transformation and Tour Prep
As Murs prepared for his tour with Take That, he embarked on a gruelling 12-week fitness regime. This intense training period was designed to get him in “beast mode” and ready for the challenges of performing on tour. His workouts included boxing, lifting weights, sparring, and circuits.
Diet and Nutrition: The Key to Success
Murs’ diet has shifted significantly over the course of his fitness journey, with a focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods. He eliminated sugar and processed foods, focusing on lean proteins like chicken and fish, along with vegetables and healthy fats.
Murs has emphasized that you can’t out-train a bad diet. He has also spoken about the importance of finding methods of exercise that you enjoy for long-term sustainability.
The Debate and Olly’s Response
Murs’ recent body transformation has sparked debate online, with some people preferring his “before” look. In response, Murs stated that his fitness journey was for personal reasons and not to spark division. He expressed disappointment with the negative reporting and sent love to those improving themselves.
Mental Health and Well-being
Throughout his fitness journey, Murs has openly discussed the mental challenges he faced, including managing anxiety and body image issues. He emphasized the importance of a mindset shift and how it played a crucial role in his success.
Olly’s Transformation: A Holistic Approach
Olly Murs’ fitness transformation is a result of a holistic approach that encompasses exercise, diet, and mental well-being. His journey demonstrates that with dedication, hard work, and the right guidance, anyone can achieve their fitness goals.
