Rams’ Matthew Stafford does this sweaty workout 5 times a week to stay in shape

In the quiet early morning hours in the San Fernando Valley, just across from the Rams’ practice facility, a familiar figure can be found in a serene studio, dedicated to his fitness routine. This figure is none other than Matthew Stafford, the reigning NFL MVP, sweating it out in yoga clothes, focusing on his workout in a peaceful environment.

Unlike the usual NFL scene with roaring crowds and intense gameplay, Stafford can be seen bending himself into various yoga poses, striving for balance and flexibility. His dedication to incorporating yoga into his routine is no secret, as he has spoken openly about using it to stay in shape and shed weight as he navigates the later years of his football career.

According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Stafford has become a regular at early-morning hot yoga classes in Woodland Hills. Shelburne describes Stafford as a committed attendee, often showing up solo in his hoodie, showcasing his flexibility and dedication to his practice.

At 38 years old, Stafford understands the importance of maintaining his physical well-being, especially after facing a herniated disk in his lower back that almost sidelined him at the start of the 2025 season. Instead of relying solely on traditional strength training methods, Stafford has embraced yoga as a way to improve his longevity and durability on the field.

Taking a cue from NFL legend Tom Brady and his TB12 method, Stafford recognizes the benefits of yoga in increasing flexibility and muscle pliability, essential elements for a prolonged career in a physically demanding sport. By incorporating yoga, swimming, and other low-impact exercises into his routine, Stafford has managed to shed excess weight and maintain a leaner physique, allowing him to perform at his best on the field.

Stafford is not alone in his embrace of yoga in the world of elite athletes. Icons like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James have also extolled the virtues of yoga in enhancing their physical and mental well-being. The common thread among these athletes is their focus on longevity and sustained performance, rather than just brute strength and athleticism.

As Stafford continues to defy expectations and excel on the football field, his commitment to yoga serves as a testament to the power of mindfulness and flexibility in achieving greatness. In a world where strength and speed often reign supreme, Stafford’s dedication to yoga reminds us that sometimes, a little stretching and sweating can go a long way in prolonging a legendary career.