At 73, actor John Goodman continues to inspire with his remarkable weight loss journey, having shed a total of 200 pounds since the early 2000s. Despite facing challenges, including a recent hip injury sustained in the U.K., the star of “The Conners” showcased his impressive transformation while promoting the new “Smurfs” movie on July 13. Goodman has been candid about the ups and downs of his health journey, sharing insights into the strategies that have helped him maintain his weight.
Goodman’s health transformation began in earnest during the early 2000s. One pivotal decision was his choice to stop drinking, a commitment he made in 2007. In a 2012 interview, he reflected on this decision, stating, “It was getting to be too much. It was 30 years of a disease that was taking its toll on everyone around me.” He noted that the struggle had become increasingly debilitating, leading him to conclude it was a matter of “life or death.”
In subsequent years, Goodman discussed his weight loss journey openly. By 2010, he had already lost 100 pounds and attributed this achievement to a simple yet effective approach. “It takes a lot of creative energy to sit on your ass and figure out what you’re going to eat next,” he remarked. His strategy included regular exercise, working out six days a week with personal trainer Mackie Shilstone. Goodman described his workouts as manageable, saying, “I’m breaking a sweat but I’m not going nuts.”
Shilstone, who has trained Goodman for years, emphasized the actor’s determination. He stated, “He remembers what it feels like to be extremely heavy and it’s something he doesn’t want again.” The actor adopted a diet that prioritized fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and olive oil, while aiming for 10,000 to 12,000 steps daily.
Recognizing the challenges inherent in weight loss, Goodman has acknowledged that it is not a straightforward path. In a 2018 interview, he humorously noted, “I don’t want to be an example to anybody when the weight comes thundering back on.” He attributed his weight loss success to one essential principle: portion control, stating, “It was basically just portion control, and ‘I don’t need it.’”
Recently, in a 2023 interview, Goodman revealed that he has maintained his weight loss through simple activities like walking his dogs. He mentioned a temporary hiatus from boxing, a workout he enjoyed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. “I was boxing up until then and I haven’t been able to do that since COVID because I’m lazy,” he joked. Goodman expressed a desire to reinstate his fitness routine, indicating plans to start again this summer.
Despite taking a break from boxing, Goodman fondly recounted his experiences, focusing on technique rather than sparring. “It’s usually just an hour, hour and a half of hitting the mitts, hitting the bags, learning footwork. It’s great,” he said.
Goodman’s journey exemplifies the ongoing commitment required for a healthy lifestyle. His experiences resonate with many who face similar challenges in weight management. As he continues to navigate his health journey, Goodman remains a figure of resilience and motivation, proving that with dedication and strategic planning, significant transformation is possible.