We see them in magazines in the check out aisles and on television daily… Rappers can be a great example for us, especially if they lead healthy lifestyles. This is why we feel that those in the media have a responsibility to be good examples to their audience- because they are literally in our homes everyday, being seen by our spouses, our kids, our friends.
“Many celebrities today feel the pressure to look perfect both in their roles and on the red carpet- which pushes many of them to use un-natural means of appearing fit and “healthy”. All health experts will tell you that simply looking the part does not make one truly healthy, and that looks can be deceiving! Taking steroids, or diet pills, is detrimental to health longterm and can lead to some serious medical problems,” as Samir wrote in his article on Steroids and Doping.
We chose these names because they had the most natural appearance and looked like they, at least now, are using natural means in order to be healthy and fit.
We researched all the available data on the rappers online and narrowed it down, using a combination of videos, internet, industry literature, and Samir Becic’s knowledge of over 33 years in athletics coupled with his experience as 4 times Number 1 Fitness Trainer in the World to narrow the field down to 10.
The rappers on this list not only lead healthy lifestyles themselves, but also promote it within their public roles.
The following was all taken into consideration: fitness level, nutritional habits, age, their own medical issues and how they coped with them, and involvement and promotion of healthy lifestyle.
Here is Samir Becic and the Health Fitness Revolution’s list of the Top 10 Fittest Rappers in alphabetical order:
Big Sean
“I try to work out as much as possible, although sometimes it is difficult with my hectic schedule. But whenever I do, I function better, which makes life better.”
- Favorite exercise is boxing which he does with his trainer
- Eats only organic food
- Mom always taught him about nutrition
- Knows a lot about supplements and carries a special case on the road
Drake
“I’m obsessed with perfection. I want to work. I don’t want to take this for granted.”
- Heavy curls
- Soccer
- Sled Push
- Pull-ups
- Tennis
- Concentration curl
- Rope Exercise
Eminem
“I’ve done a lot of cardio. I’m actually at the point where I think I’ve got a little obsessive/compulsive about it. Like running on a treadmill – I started doing two miles a day. Then I did four. Then I got up to six, then 10, 15 until at 17 I had to take a break. I couldn’t stop.”
- Eats lean meats
- Replaced refined carbs with complex carbs
- Drinks diet coke instead of alcohol
- No longer uses drugs
- Eats lots of vegetables and fresh fruit
- Ran 4 miles a day on a treadmill when he first started working out
- Slowly worked his way up to 10 miles and then 17 miles
- Hired a trainer
- Lifts weights
Iggy Azalea
“I am very competitive, which is why I have had success in music; and if I play a sport, I want to kick someone’s butt. That’s why I LOVE to play tennis–which is my favorite sport–and it includes a lot of running.”
- Squats and sit ups every day
- Runs
- Dances
- Lunges
- Took the “30 day squat challenge”
- Enjoys tennis
- Drinks smoothie for breakfast made of almonds, fruits, kale, and berries
Eve
“We don’t do a lot of weights, but we do a lot of push-ups, crunches, and squats — exercises that let me use my own body weight. We work out in a private gym, but we’re about to start incorporating outdoor things into my routine. I can’t wait, because I love being outside.”
- Says being healthy helps her in life
- Prefers strength training to weight training
- Has personal trainer
- Wants to stay healthy instead of being super skinny
- Advocate of the Move Your Body campaign to get kids moving and be healthy and have self confidence and energy
Jay-Z
“On December 3rd, one day before my 44th birthday I will embark on a 22 Days challenge to go completely vegan, or as I prefer to call it, plant-based!! This all began a few months back when a good friend and vegan challenged me to embrace a plant-based breakfast every day. It was surprisingly easier on me than I thought…”
- Works out with Marco Borges
- Total body workout
- Always varying his workouts
- Little rest between each set
- Went on a vegan diet for 22 days
- Focuses on cardio, interval training, abs, and a healthy diet
- Workout moves include squat and press, reverse lunges, cobra planks, push up into side plank, and heel touch crunches
Kanye West
“I’ve never been in better shape. I follow the 5 factor diet, it made me healthy, and it’s unbelievable, but the food tastes really great.”
- Barry’s Bootcamp – alternates between weight and cardio training
- Jogs
- 5 factor diet
- Works out 25 minutes per day ranging from strength training, cardiovascular, and core movements
Missy Elliott
“I’m 30 pounds lighter because i’ve been exercising. My thyroid is functioning, so I haven’t had to take medication in about nine months. [But] you live with it for the rest of your life.”
- Lost 71 pounds when her doctor told her she would have a stroke if she didn’t lose weight
- Increases her metabolism by eating mini meals throughout the day
- Conscious of portion control and makes sure to swap certain foods like brown rice for white rice
- Personal trainer is Mark Jenkins
- Works out by dancing, taking spin classes, and lifting weights
- Has dealt with Graves Disease by exercising
Nicki Minaj
“When I feel I need to lose weight, I just change what I eat. I cut out carbs and sugar. I’ll do water and protein and fruit. But I do think that you should work out.”
- Dance workouts
- 30 minutes on the elliptical
- Drinks a lot of water
- Cuts out favorite junk food before a big shoot
Rick Ross
“It’s a different type of little workout. I feel good.”
- Had 2 seizures in 2011 and decided to change his lifestyle
- Lost 100 pounds
- CrossFit (he calls it RossFit)
- Did not change diet much, but now eats more fruit
