Terry Crews Feels Better Than Ever at 56. Here's How He's Built Real Strength.
IS one of the most muscular figures in pop culture. He's used his physique to play typical Hollywood action hero roles in The Expendables series—but he's much better known for the way he uses his humor and charm alongside his 6'2'', 240 pound frame in roles like Terry Jeffords on Brooklyn 99 and as the personable host of America's Got Talent.
The 56-year-old(!) former NFL player says he might not be in the best shape of his life right now, but he feels better than he ever has before. Thanks to years of experience, he's reached a point in his fitness journey where he understands what his body needs with more focus on recovery, rather than just hammering big weights and running hard.
Ahead of the Men's Health Lab event, Crews and exercise physiologist and strength coach Dr. Pat Davidson joined MH fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S. to talk about building strength, maintaining fitness over the years, and what drives each of them to train to get the best out of their bodies. Here, we're highlighting a few standout moments from the conversation—which you can watch above for all the details about how Crews maintains his muscle (and feels better than ever, too) over 50.
TERRY CREWS: Once I played in the NFL and I didn't get what I wanted, [I understood] that I didn't want it bad enough. The reason I didn't become a superstar in the NFL is because I didn't work on the stuff that wasn't genetic. I relied way too much on just natural ability and did not take care of myself in regards to the little details, the little things. Once I had a career in entertainment, I made up for that. I studied my lines, I studied everything I had to do. I used my body knowing that this was my tool now. I was like okay, I'm going to get in tremendous shape—not just regular shape, tremendous shape—because to me, I always felt like that was my advantage. There weren't a lot of people like me doing comedy, and what if I was the most muscular comedic actor who ever existed? And I was in a place all by myself for a long time.
EBENEZER SAMUEL: I think [active recovery] is something our guys need to understand. Is it a thing where you have a set split and you plan your active recovery days, or is it a thing where you wake up some mornings and you're like, You know what, I feel horrible, so today is an active recovery day?
TERRY CREWS: It's planned. I'd say Wednesday and Sunday are the biggest active recovery days that I have. Everything in between there are regular workout days, but I force myself to say Wednesday and then Sunday, because Sunday is perfect—it's like family time, you do a little bit, then you go with the wife and do all this stuff—you know what I mean? So it's really, really planned out, because if I don't plan it, that's the problem. I've had a lot of injuries—I blew hamstrings, blown my back out a lot, tweaked the neck... but you get used to the pain. That's another thing too: If you're not careful, you develop this thing where if you're not in pain, something's wrong. I love the nods, because I can tell you know what I'm talking about.
EBENEZER SAMUEL: Can you explain the difference between good pain and bad pain?
PAT DAVIDSON: Most people have no idea... overall what I would say is, are you able to make progress with your exercises? If that's the case, you're actually not "fatigued,"—you're uncomfortable. There's a big difference. Training and pushing your body to change is uncomfortable. Nothing changes in the world unless there's discomfort involved.
EBENEZER SAMUEL: So if you can get stronger through it physically and see it with the numbers then you're probably on the right track, if it's causing you pain and you can't progress and you can't do the reps, then there's a problem?
PAT DAVIDSON: There's a thin line. You're riding a unicycle down a tightrope with this stuff. Chances are if you're never sore, you're not doing enough to stimulate any changes in your body, you're not going to go anywhere. If you're wrecked all the time, if we bring you back a little bit you might make better progress.
You Might Also Like
The Best Hair Growth Shampoos for Men to Buy Now
25 Vegetables That Are Surprising Sources of Protein
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
Saquon Turns to Tiger in Quest for NFL History
Saquon Turns to Tiger in Quest for NFL History originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The conversation started innocently enough on the golf course, but what Saquon Barkley revealed during his recent round with YouTube golfer Grant Horvat goes far deeper than just a newfound love for the game. Advertisement As the Eagles superstar discussed his growing passion for golf, he unveiled the psychological blueprint that's driving his unprecedented quest to become the first running back in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in consecutive seasons. "Obviously getting into golf, falling in love with golf, I've been like trying to just learn so much more about Tiger," Barkley explained during their round. The admission might surprise those who expect running backs to study film of Barry Sanders or Eric Dickerson, but Barkley's approach transcends position-specific inspiration. He's studying the architecture of sustained dominance itself. "I had a really good season last year, but just like how dominant he was, his mentality," Barkley continued. "Like so in 2000, amazing year, but in 1999 he had amazing year too, right? So it's like to be able to stack years like that. Like there's never been a back rush for 2,000 yards twice and definitely not back-to-back." What captivates Barkley isn't just Woods' statistical dominance, but the psychological presence that accompanied it. Horvat described the phenomenon perfectly: "There's like a killer instinct and he was so he was just different and people say when they go in there'd be like a huge crowd around Tiger and other people when they were like whatever, but when Tiger would get up the entire crowd like every single person you could hear a pin drop and like nobody would move like there was just this like it was a presence and it like it was probably intimidating to even the people he was playing with at that time." That aura represents exactly what Barkley recognizes as the intangible quality that separates legends from elite performers. Advertisement The mental transformation becomes clear when Barkley discusses his current mindset about his historic 2024 campaign. "I think it's just like the confidence, right? I think when you have the year like I had last year, like I'm coming into this season, into my training, that's like it's not a fluke, right? Like I watch film and I'm like people talk about what I did and what I accomplished, but in my mindset I'm like it should have been even more." This isn't arrogance speaking – it's the quiet certainty of someone who has touched transcendence and knows exactly how to return there. Barkley's 2,005-yard season represented just the ninth time in NFL history that milestone had been reached, yet he views it as merely the foundation for something greater. The golf analogy Barkley draws reveals the depth of his psychological preparation. "Think about very similar to golf, like think about how you feel about over a golf shot or a driver when you're driving the ball, hitting the fairway every single time rather than what you're not. Like we're in two different mindsets right now with a driver in our hand. It's the same thing going into a game and just like you have to have the mindset of like nobody can mess with me and no matter what you do, nobody can mess with me." That unshakeable confidence isn't built on blind faith – it's constructed through meticulous preparation and an almost obsessive attention to detail. Woods represents the gold standard of sustained excellence, someone who didn't just peak once but maintained that peak through sheer force of will and unwavering self-belief. Advertisement Barkley's appreciation for Woods extends beyond the peak years to include the comeback story. "What he did in '99 and then to do it in 2000, back-to-back, then to play well, then have everything happen to him and to come back in 2019 and win a Masters – like his mentality is super different," Barkley observed. The challenge Barkley faces in 2025 extends far beyond physical demands. Every defensive coordinator spent the offseason dissecting film of his 2024 dominance, searching for weaknesses to exploit. Game plans will be built around stopping him specifically. But that's precisely where Woods' influence proves most valuable – the golf legend thrived under similar scrutiny throughout his dominant years. The numbers from 2024 tell only part of Barkley's story. His 2,005 rushing yards came on 345 carries, averaging 5.8 yards per attempt while adding 13 rushing touchdowns. He posted eleven 100-yard games and helped carry the Eagles to their Super Bowl LIX championship. But statistics don't capture the psychological shift that occurred – Barkley developed an aura of inevitability that opposing defenses could feel. Advertisement His acknowledgment that "with the team that I have and the offensive line that I have, that just boosts it even more" reflects an understanding that individual greatness requires collective excellence. Woods had his support system – Barkley has perhaps the NFL's most dominant offensive line. The goal that drives him now – consecutive 2,000-yard seasons – represents uncharted territory in professional football. No player has achieved this feat because it requires sustained excellence that challenges the very limits of human performance. As Barkley continues studying the champion's mindset that made Tiger Woods a legend, his intentions become unmistakably clear. He's not just chasing statistics – he's pursuing a level of dominance that transcends individual achievement, using the psychological blueprint of one GOAT to become another. Related: Eagles Fans All Wondering Why Saquon Barkley Fantasy is 'Doomed' Related: Eagles' Saquon Barkley Reveals Religious Journey This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
Eagles' Saquon Barkley Reveals Religious Journey
Eagles' Saquon Barkley Reveals Religious Journey originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Added to his almost supernatural physical talents and the savvy free-agent signing with the Philadelphia Eagles last offseason, Saquon Barkley is crediting another secret weapon for his epic 2024 season: Advertisement Religion. In a new interview with golf social media influencer Grant Horvat, Barkley opened up about his newfound faith and credited it with helping him have one of the best seasons by a running back in NFL history. "I just became a Christian not too long ago," Barkley said. "I don't think it's a coincidence that the best year I had in my career, I found my faith. It gives me some clarity in life." Barkley rushed for 2,005 yards last season and helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl in a 40-22 romp over the Kansas City Chiefs in February. How a higher power works remains one of life's great mysteries. But it works for Barkley. Advertisement Barkley's religious journey is not an overnight success. At Super Bowl LIX he talked about diving into the Bible. "I'm not going to sit here and tell you that I know the Bible, like, in and out," Barkley said. "It's something I'm learning, I'm challenging myself to get better at with my family and my friends. I'm just growing, and I think that's the beautiful thing about it, and I think that's what religion and faith is, is having a relationship with God and understanding who Jesus is, and that's what I've been trying to do this year. I'm going to continue to try to get better at it." Last month, the 28-year-old landed on the cover for this year's edition of the uber-popular 'Madden' video game. Barkley was also a featured speaker at 'Life Surge: Champions of Faith,' a religious financial seminar at Philadelphia's 21,000-seat Wells Fargo Center. Related: Eagles GM Howie Roseman Feeling Unusual Heat Over Draft Class Criticism Related: Eagles Rumors Swirl About Saquon Barkley Backups This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
Jason Kelce Strips to Speedo in Million-Dollar Mission Viral Video
Jason Kelce Strips to Speedo in Million-Dollar Mission Viral Video originally appeared on Athlon Sports. There's something beautifully unhinged about watching a former NFL All-Pro center transform into a part-time bartender, part-time entertainer and full-time legend all in the name of charity. Jason Kelce's annual fundraising extravaganza in Sea Isle City has evolved from a simple celebrity bartending gig into what can only be described as organized chaos with a heart of gold. Advertisement The retired Eagles icon has perfected the art of turning philanthropy into performance art, creating an event that somehow manages to be both completely ridiculous and deeply meaningful. This year's edition at Ocean Drive proved that Kelce has no intention of toning down his approach to charitable giving, much to the delight of Eagles fans who descended on the Jersey Shore town like a green-clad invasion force. This year's event delivered spectacle in spades, with Kelce making his grand entrance in American flag shorts that lasted all of thirty seconds before he dramatically ripped them off to reveal a matching patriotic Speedo underneath. The crowd erupted as he climbed a lifeguard chair, fully embracing the absurd theatrics that have become his trademark. What sets Kelce's fundraising approach apart isn't just his willingness to embrace the absurd—it's his understanding that authentic connection trumps polished presentation every time. Current and former players showed their bartending skills, including Cooper DeJean, Sydney Brown and Connor Barwin, proving they're not just making appearances—they're genuinely engaging with the community that supported them throughout their careers. Advertisement Kelce's genius lies in recognizing that people are more likely to open their wallets when they're genuinely enjoying themselves. The Eagles Autism Foundation has benefited enormously from this philosophy, with the Shore Birds events raising more than $1.4 million since 2021. The foundation's work resonates particularly strongly with attendees, many of whom have personal connections to autism spectrum disorders. The event has become an annual pilgrimage for Eagles faithful, representing something larger than just successful fundraising—it's a celebration of community and the idea that doing good doesn't have to be serious business. Jason Kelce may be retired from football, but he's still anchoring the city of Philadelphia—this time from a beach bar, in a Speedo, for a cause that continues to change lives. Related: New Eagles Corner Speaks Out on Unique Style of Philadelphia Coach Vic Fangio Related: Eagles' Saquon Barkley Reveals Religious Journey This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
