Thierry Henry – arguably the Premier League’s greatest ever player – has always been lean. But his latest Instagram post suggests the Arsenal legend has taken things a step further.
At 48, Henry looks noticeably bigger than during his playing days, showing off broad shoulders and defined abs in a couple of gym selfies. It’s a different kind of physique to the wiry, explosive frame that underpinned his success on the pitch – and it hasn’t come by accident.
In the post, Henry shared a glimpse into the training behind the transformation, writing: ‘1 HOUR session with MY PARTNER IN CRIME ❤️ and a 10kg vest on WORK HARD, EAT WELL, NO SUGAR!!!’
The session itself is relentless. Wearing a 10kg weighted vest, Henry moves through a fast-paced circuit, featuring dumbbell rows, Bosu sit-ups, goblet deadlifts, mountain climbers, inchworm push-ups, plank variations, single-arm thrusters and lateral burpees.
It’s the kind of circuit-based training that blends resistance work with high-intensity conditioning, prioritising muscular endurance and full-body strength over isolated lifting.
The weighted vest adds another layer of intensity. By increasing the load across every movement, even bodyweight exercises like push-ups and mountain climbers become full-body tests, helping drive both strength and cardiovascular gains.
Henry’s caption also points to a disciplined nutritional approach: ‘NO SUGAR!!!’
While cutting out sugar entirely isn’t necessary for most people, it does suggest a broader focus on controlling overall calorie intake and limiting less nutrient-dense foods. When it comes to fat loss, the key driver remains a consistent calorie deficit, supported by a diet built around whole foods and sufficient protein.
The result, at least in Henry’s case, is clear. Nearly a decade on from retirement, he’s in the shape of his life.
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Isaac Williams is Site Editor for both Women’s Health UK and Men’s Health UK, guiding and supporting the content teams to create content across all platforms. Isaac’s love of health and fitness began at Loughborough University, where he graduated with a History and English degree in 2014. His first job was at Men’s Running magazine, where he progressed from Staff Writer to Editor. Among his highlights of those four years include completing a 24-hour track race (never again), just about finishing a multi-day ultramarathon in the Azores, and chugging his way around a ‘beer mile’. Isaac ventured into the world of freelance journalism in 2018, interviewing some of the biggest names in sport – like Anthony Joshua and Ben Stokes – and writing features for the likes of The Guardian, Red Bull, ShortList and BBC Countryfile. He was also a regular contributor to an adventure series called ‘The Man Who’: speaking to some of the world’s most extreme explorers from the wilds of Caffè Nero. In late-2019, Isaac became Editor of Men’s Fitness UK. In his five years there, Isaac was responsible for editing the monthly magazine and managing website content, ultimately helping the brand transition to a ‘digital-first’ approach. He joined Hearst UK as Multiplatform Editor in December 2024, where he manages day-to-day digital output, edits content and writes articles on all things health and fitness. When he’s not hammering at his keyboard, Isaac enjoys exercise and trying – unsuccessfully, so far – to teach his baby son to kick a football. You can follow Isaac on Instagram @isaacw1993.
