David Beckham / Instagram
Even off the soccer field, David Beckham is still smashing workouts, and his shredded abs are stealing the show. The former Manchester United star continues to train like an athlete, and his latest Instagram Reel proves it. David showed fans his workout routine in a shirtless video where he effortlessly crushed an intense ab workout. With his lean, tattooed torso on full display, he completed a grueling set of hanging knee raises—an exercise that will make even the toughest gym-goers wince. If you thought he had slowed down after leaving the soccer field, think again.
The Method Behind the Madness
Bobby Rich / Instagram
In the video, his personal coach Bobby Rich can be heard guiding him through the exercise, reminding him to lift his knees up to his chest. The precision in form is key when it comes to hanging knee raises, and David executes it like a seasoned pro. Performing 20 repetitions in one set, the move lights up the abs like nothing else. But he doesn’t stop there. His core control and overall strength are evident as he completes each rep with the focus and discipline that made him one of the best in soccer.
Engaging More Than Just the Abs
David Beckham / Instagram
Hanging knee raises aren't just for show. This exercise works more than just the abs—David's workout also engages the shoulders and back. When hanging from a bar, keeping a tight squeeze between the shoulder blades is essential to maintain stability and prevent unnecessary swinging. That way, each rep truly targets the abdominal muscles, giving them the burn they deserve. According to Men's Health fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, keeping the hips stable and driving the movement with your abs ensures a better, more effective workout. It’s no wonder his physique is still so sharp.
The workout is not just David showing off—there’s a method behind the madness. The hanging knee raise requires full-body coordination, especially in the core, to control the entire range of motion. He lifts his legs high enough that his glutes are visible from the front, a challenging feat that engages the abs to their fullest potential. Holding that top position briefly maximizes the contraction, adding more difficulty to an already tough exercise.
The Takeaway for Fans
David Beckham / Facebook
For those inspired by his fitness level, don’t feel intimidated. While he’s performing 20 reps with seemingly effortless form, starting with such high numbers is unnecessary. Beginners can start with three sets of five reps and still reap the benefits. The hanging knee raise keeps the abs under constant tension, meaning even shorter sets deliver a significant core workout. Over time, increasing the rep count becomes more manageable as strength improves.
David may no longer be tearing up the soccer field, but his dedication to health and fitness shows no signs of slowing down. Whether it's maintaining his elite physique or continuing to inspire fans worldwide, his workout routine proves that hard work in the gym never goes out of style.