Shape Of You! Ed Sheeran unveils his incredibly muscular new physique after fatherhood helped him discover a love of fitness – but says ‘underneath it all I am a pizza-eating, beer-guzzling smoker’

He’s loved by millions for his serious lyrics, wistful vocals and acoustic guitar-heavy music, but singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has unveiled something quite different in a brand new shoot.

Indeed, Sheeran ditched the brand’s signature baggy T-shirt to reveal an extremely tight six-pack, an impressively sculpted chest and perfectly sculpted tattooed biceps. Men’s Health UK.

The 34-year-old British star made a big impact after turning to fast food and fitness following the birth of his two children, daughters Lyra and Jupiter, with wife Cherry Seaborn.

But despite his disciplined new look, which is the result of regular gym sessions, reformist Pilates and a lean diet, Sheeran candidly admits he will always be the same person before revolutionizing his lifestyle.

He said: ‘[Fitness] It’s become like a real addition to my life. I guess underneath it all I’m a pizza-eating, beer-drinking smoker, but as a parent in my thirties, that’s not my reality. I think you have to make good decisions.

‘I’ve never run more than a mile and I didn’t do my first 10K during Covid; Things like this, in addition, make you feel better.

Despite embracing a healthy lifestyle, the singer-songwriter insists she’s still a ‘pizza eating, beer drinking smoker’ at heart (pictured in 2019, the year before she welcomed her first child)

‘And I think I’m in my thirties, so that’s where I’m at. I’m not saying I gave up having fun, I still drink. ‘I love red wine, I love a good meal, but that doesn’t happen every day.’

Sheeran made the decision to change his lifestyle after experiencing a reality check following the birth of his eldest daughter Lyra, now five, in 2020.

He explained: ‘I became a father. I remember Lyra was two weeks old, my best friend was with me and we were drinking a bottle of wine. I went to bed and Lyra woke up 20 minutes after I fell asleep.

‘I woke up and said, ‘Damn, if I’m going to feel this awful I probably shouldn’t drink.’ I want to be able to do night work.

‘It all came down to wanting to be a responsible father, feel good and look good at the same time. I didn’t want to hold my child and have my back fucked or anything like that.

‘And that also feeds into professional life… I wanted to feel superhuman on stage.’

Perhaps with this in mind, Sheeran, known for his regular interactions with fans, believes his decision to get in shape for the sake of his family will resonate with those who look up to him.

He said: ‘I think it’s relatable that parents suddenly want to be a bit healthier and follow a bit more routine. And the thing about the reformer [pilates] so it’s something that anyone can get started with and it’s a really gentle introduction. [fitness].

Sheeran made a huge impact after consuming fast food and embracing fitness following the birth of his two children, daughters Lyra and Jupiter, with wife Cherry Seaborn.

Known for her regular interactions with fans, the singer-songwriter believes her decision to get in shape for the sake of her family will resonate with those who admire her

Sheeran made the decision to change his lifestyle after experiencing a reality check following the birth of his eldest daughter Lyra, now five, in 2020.

‘I’m not saying we should all run marathons, blah, blah. ‘And I’m not selling super healthy eating or this or that… It’s all about moderation.’

He added: ‘I’ve always been close to my fan base. I’m always grateful that people are interested in my music.

‘If I was playing in bars and three people came and wanted to listen to my songs, I’d want to talk to them afterwards and make a connection because I’m really grateful they even came.

‘I think a lot of my songs frame life moments for a lot of my fans… so through those particular songs and memories, we always have that connection or connection, no matter what.’

‘It all came down to wanting to be a responsible father, feel good and look good at the same time. I didn’t want to hold my child and have my back fucked or things like that.’

A shirtless Sheeran drinks a beer in an undated social media photo taken before he embarked on his grueling fitness journey

You can read the full interview in the next issue of Men’s Health UK, on ​​sale from 23 December, or available now on the Men’s Health website.

Now entering his third decade as an established artist, Sheeran believes the heady early days of his career led to a deterioration in his physical health.

‘I would say I lived a pretty unhealthy life from 20 to 30,’ he said. ‘Even though I’m doing well professionally, I can’t say that this translates well into my personal life.

‘And I think wellness is a direct mirror of your mental health and how you feel. I always felt like shit inside myself; ‘When I woke up and looked in the mirror I felt disgusting.’

Reflecting on his first tentative steps towards a healthier lifestyle, Sheeran says his close friendship with muscle grime artist Stormzy and observing his daily exercise routines pushed him in the right direction.

He added: ‘I look at someone like Stormzy and the training he went through to go on tour and that was definitely a catalyst.

‘I went to play with him in 2021 and he was doing hundreds of push-ups before going on stage and I was looking at him like, ‘What the hell does this mean?’

You can read the full interview in the next issue of Men’s Health UK, on ​​sale from 23 December, or now on the Men’s Health website.