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The iconic and larger-than-life personality Shaquille O’Neal may have reached his 50s, but his spirit remains unchanged. Big Diesel has been everywhere and done everything. But he still hosts a healthy, long bucket list. One that he seems to be on track to completing. Reflecting back to 2020, the legend had concerns about taking the stairs due to his weight. Yet, if we fast forward to this year, we witness significant transformations in the 4x NBA champion. While fans are left in awe witnessing his rigorous workout sessions, the reasons motivating him are even more peculiar.

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The recent snapshots of his workout regimen may allude to something intriguing. Have you had the chance to see his recent post?

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What is the secret behind Shaquille O’Neal shedding pounds?

The trainer of this legendary figure recently offered a sneak peek into O’Neal’s training session, sharing it with his 16,800 followers on Instagram. Rashid “Roc” Shabazz is a former Mr. Olympia competitor. He took home the Phoenix Pro in 2010, so he knows a thing or two about peak conditioning. In the video clip, we witness Shaq diligently working on enhancing his muscular strength with the help of massive leg press footplates. The caption accompanying the post read, “Bet you’ve never seen leg press footplates this big.” 

Clearly, the legendary gym trainer is unrelenting in pushing Shaq to his limits. What’s more, the Los Angeles Lakers legend is resolute in his commitment to transform himself. Could it be driven by one of his fervent aspirations from his bucket list?

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In a previous interview with People, the legend expressed his desire to conquer 5895m tall Mount Kilimanjaro, a monumental feat involving scaling the towering and daunting heights of this mesmerizing mountain.

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READ MORE: Shaquille O’Neal sheds some light into Ben Simmons’ $39,000,000 fortune, Days after Stephen A. Smith’s heavy bashing

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And that’s not all; he also wishes to experience skydiving. These desires could very well serve as the driving force behind his dedication to maintaining a rigorous exercise routine. What do you think?

Why was Shaq once scared of stairs?

Like his friend Charles Barkley, the former player has also chosen to prioritize his fitness. In recent years, he has shed approximately 50 pounds.

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During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he tipped the scales at approximately 350 pounds and was notably gaining some extra weight. In an interview, he said, “I was getting chubby and couldn’t even walk up the stairs. I didn’t like the way I looked in the mirror.”

That’s when he made the decision to adopt a healthier diet. Transitioning from a point where he had little knowledge about distinguishing between carbohydrates and protein, the athlete has undergone a remarkable transformation.

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Which of the adventures mentioned above would you prefer to see the legend take upon first?

WATCH THIS STORY: “He Passed That Sunday”: Shaquille O’Neal 66YO Buddy Reminisces the “Surreal” Moment When the World Lost NBA Legend, Kobe Bryant” 

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Pritha Debroy

3,476 Articles

Pritha Debroy works with the NFL Lifestyle Desk at EssentiallySports, where she explores the league beyond the sidelines and focuses on the cultural nuances of football. Bringing a fresh perspective shaped by her background in basketball lifestyle stories and cross-sport expertise, she highlights how NFL athletes build influence off the field. A graduate of the EssentiallySports Journalistic Excellence Program, our in-house initiative that trains writers under industry experts, Pritha specializes in long-form features and player-driven stories that capture the evolving identity of today’s NFL stars. Pritha combines her passion for storytelling with a thoughtful approach to sports culture and lifestyle. With strong communication skills and an eye for detail, she brings a distinctive voice to NFL journalism, delivering engaging and insightful content that resonates with readers.

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Aakash Nair

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