2 min readReady to get into the best shape of your life? Get free weekly workouts and no-nonsense training insights delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up here and let the gains begin.
WHAT DOES IT take to survive an NFL season? When you’re going against some of the largest humans on the planet, being big and strong is a must. But to possess the durability to battle through 11 seasons? It takes more than lifting weights. Just ask Washington Commanders offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, who’s gearing up for his 12th NFL season.
Tunsil stands out for his remarkable longevity in a sport where the average pro typically retires in four years or less. “You've gone through the wear and tear of basically 17 weeks of car crashes and physical trauma that's hard for most people to understand,” exercise physiologist and strength coach Dr. Pat Davidson says in the latest Strong Talk episode. “Your body needs recovery; it needs repair. The fatigue is probably super high and to continue just pounding is probably not that productive.”
If all goes well, Tunsil says he aims to play for another four to five years. The five-time Pro Bowler is basing this estimate on his high commitment toward functional movement and recovery. Alongside MH director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S, the trio discuss the different functional movements Tunsil performs, how he transitions from functional movements to heavier lifting as the season draws closer, and the value of Pilates for core strength and recovery.
Want more deep-dive fitness wisdom from Samuel and other celebs and experts who've been on our Strong Talk podcast? Check out all our episodes here.
Watch the Latest Episodes
Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, MS is the associate health & fitness for Men's Health and has previously written for CNN, Scientific American, Popular Science, and National Geographic before joining the brand. When she's not working, she's doing circus arts or working towards the perfect pull-up.
