Singer Olly Murs has gotten himself into the best shape of his life in preparation for becoming a dad. The pop star and former X Factor contestant made waves on social media when he took to Instagram a couple of years ago to share his dramatic transformation.
Olly showed off his physique crediting his transformation to his disciplined fitness regime, which enabled him to shed over two stone and sustain his lean look, reports the Daily Record.
He gives much credit for his health overhaul to his bodybuilder partner Amelia Tank, whom he married the year before. Olly said their lifestyle changes were perfectly timed with the arrival of their first child, Madison, who made her entrance into the world this April.
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In a revealing discussion with The Times last year, the singer, aged 39, laid out his day-to-day habits which include persistent exercise, nutritious dieting and the somewhat shocking inclusion of ice baths to keep his weight "below 80kg".
While it might impress some as too intense, short dips in icy water are not unusual among sportspeople aiming for top condition, helping with muscle recovery, promoting blood circulation and easing pain.
Also referred to as cryotherapy, ice baths have been claimed to assist with weight loss by boosting one's metabolism. But according to Olly, the advantages go further than just the physical aspects.
He explained to The Times: "It's an amazing way of cleaning out all the toxins from your body - I spent a lot of time in there after my stag do."
Murs has opened up on how his fast-paced life makes it hard to find time for quiet pondering, hence he turns to his morning regimen as a form of meditation. "My life is pretty hectic and there's not a lot of time for reflection, so my meditation comes from my morning routine. It allows me to be present in my own head and not get too blurred by the madness surrounding me."
He continued: "It's where I can put aside any worries about money or work and focus on myself. Once that's done, I'm ready for action."
Ollie, rising at 8.30am, begins his day with a "vitamin-boosting berry drink" followed by green tea to detoxify his system. He then has a shot of probiotic and turmeric, noting its benefits for reducing inflammation and other health concerns.
Highlighting the significance of a proper start to the day food-wise, he quipped adding that if he succumbs to eating a bacon roll, then it means "the day's over for me".
After breakfast, Ollie dedicates sixty minutes to boxing, a workout that serves to torch calories as well as tone muscles and also supports various cognitive functions through increased heart and lung activity.
Nevertheless, one doesn't have to physically fight to reap the perks of this sport. According to Harvard Health, regular practice - alone or with a partner - can improve hand-eye coordination, balance, and even uplift spirits.
On weekends, Ollie usually trains alongside his trainer spouse Amelia, saying that "couples that train together, stay together".
After his workout, Ollie unwinds in his garden sauna and follows it up with a brisk two-minute ice bath. He then tucks into a "clean", pre-prepared lunch while dinner is usually about protein and vegetables.
Though his routine is strict, he still makes time for the odd dinner out with pals. When he fancies a snack, he opts for protein-packed scrambled eggs, perfect before bed if hunger strikes.
Ollie's journey of shedding pounds has often been in the spotlight, with him frequently applauding Amelia for her steadfast support. Speaking to Heart Radio, he shared: "She's [Amelia] brilliant and she's been absolutely fantastic."
"She just gave me that extra little bit of encouragement and she says it's not up to me to do it, you've got to be able to do it yourself.
"You've got to get up to do it every day. So I was like, okay I will. So, she did this little nutritional plan for me and I just went out and did it and loved it. And I still love it now."
With their new child, Olly and Amelia's routines have undoubtedly transformed. Olly opened up about fatherhood's trials during a rousing set with Take That at the London O2 Arena earlier this year, revealing his guilt over juggling parenthood and touring.
Just 48 hours after welcoming their child to the world, Olly was back performing, candidly sharing his parental joys and struggles with his audience.
He opened up to the audience, saying: "It's been the most craziest time, because obviously on one hand I've got this beautiful baby girl, my wife is at home looking after her with the nappies, and the sleepless nights. And I'm on tour with Take That. I feel guilty!".
