Brenda Khan
Will Smith's documentary series, 'Best Shape of My Life', follows the actor's weight loss journey and his attempt to get into the titular best shape of his life. The six-part unscripted series, which premiered on YouTube in November 2021, chronicles Smith's physical transformation as well as the emotional and mental challenges he faces while trying to lose 20 pounds in 20 weeks. The series also features Smith discussing his upcoming memoir, 'Will', and offers an intimate look at the actor's life, including his struggles with impostor syndrome and his pandemic body image.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the documentary series | Best Shape of My Life |
| Number of episodes | 6 |
| Platform | YouTube |
| Premiere date | November 8, 2021 |
| Duration of each episode | 20 minutes |
| Director | Westbrook Media for YouTube |
| Location | Dubai |
| Diet and workout routine | Sustainable diet and workout routine for 20 weeks programmed by Ferguson |
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What You'll Learn
Will Smith's weight loss journey
Smith's weight loss journey began with a goal to lose 20 pounds in 20 weeks. To achieve this, he worked with trainer Aaron Ferguson, who programmed a sustainable diet and workout routine. The routine consisted of two days of resistance training, followed by a day focused on legs, and then a day for the back and core. Smith also incorporated daily morning cardio sessions, such as sunrise runs, into his routine.
Smith's decision to document his weight loss journey publicly was intentional. As a performer, he felt that the cameras acted as a source of accountability and motivation. He shared his progress on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube, keeping himself responsible for his fitness goals. Smith also found inspiration in other celebrities, including Anthony Anderson, Dr. Dre, and Marlon Wayans, who joined him in the "Big Willie Challenge."
Throughout his weight loss journey, Smith faced physical, emotional, and mental challenges, especially as he was getting back into shape after the age of 50. Despite moments of self-doubt and setbacks, Smith persevered and successfully reached his weight loss goal. His journey not only transformed his physical health but also led to self-discovery, as he uncovered hidden aspects of himself during the process.
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Smith's mental health struggles
In 2021, Will Smith began a weight loss and fitness journey, documented in his YouTube series, 'Best Shape of My Life'. However, the series became about more than just Smith's physical transformation. It also explored his mental health struggles and the emotional weight he carried.
At the start of the series, Smith admits that he is "not feeling great, mentally or physically". He sets a goal of losing 20 pounds in 20 weeks and finishing his book within the same timeframe. Smith explains that filming the process keeps him accountable: "I'm a performer, so the cameras act like my sponsor... I'm not going to fail if it's on camera".
Smith's memoir-writing process seems to have unlocked a lot of his inner fears. In the series, he sits with his family and tearfully admits that he once considered suicide. He also reflects on his abusive father, who taught him to "persist in the face of anything". Smith acknowledges that his public persona is a "carefully crafted and honed character" designed to protect himself and hide his true feelings.
Smith's journey highlights the importance of focusing on mental toughness and emotional well-being, especially for athletes and public figures. By sharing his struggles, Smith helps to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encourages others to address their own challenges.
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The physical challenges of getting back in shape
Getting back into shape after 50 is no easy feat, and Will Smith's documentary series, 'Best Shape of My Life', chronicles the physical challenges he faces on his weight loss journey. The series, which premiered on YouTube in 2021, follows Smith's attempt to lose 20 pounds in 20 weeks through a combination of diet and exercise.
Smith's trainer, Ferguson, designed a sustainable diet and workout routine for the actor. The routine consisted of two days of resistance training, followed by a day focused on legs, and then a rest day. The cycle would then repeat, with a focus on back and core on the third day of training and a mix of exercises on the fourth. Smith also incorporated cardio into his mornings, opting for sunrise runs.
However, Smith's journey was not without its challenges and setbacks. At the end of the first week, he had actually gained weight, causing him to question his efforts. Despite this, he quickly rallied and recommitted to his goal. In addition to the physical challenges, Smith also faced emotional and mental hurdles, as he grappled with the impact of the pandemic, his inner fears, and past struggles.
The series provides an intimate look at Smith's physical transformation, but it also delves deeper into the mental and emotional aspects of getting back in shape. It showcases Smith's vulnerability as he opens up about his struggles and his desire to feel better, both physically and mentally. Through his journey, Smith hopes to inspire others and provide a honest portrayal of the challenges of getting back in shape at any age.
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Emotional hurdles of losing weight
Losing weight is often presented as a straightforward process: consume fewer calories and expend more energy. However, this simplistic view ignores the emotional and mental hurdles that are integral to the weight loss journey. This is precisely what Will Smith's documentary series, ''Best Shape of My Life', explores. The series delves into the emotional challenges Smith faced while attempting to lose 20 pounds in 20 weeks.
One of the most significant emotional hurdles of losing weight is the initial motivation to begin the journey. For Smith, this came in the form of a candid Instagram photo he posted of himself in the "worst shape of his life". The image, which went viral, served as a wake-up call and spurred him to take control of his health and fitness. Overcoming the emotional hurdle of accepting that one needs to lose weight and then translating that acceptance into action is a challenging first step.
Once the journey has begun, maintaining motivation and commitment is another emotional challenge. Weight loss is often a slow and frustrating process, with setbacks and plateaus along the way. In the series, Smith experiences this first-hand when, despite his optimistic start, he gains weight in the first week. This momentary setback causes him to question the entire endeavour, highlighting how fragile motivation can be in the face of early struggles.
The emotional hurdles of losing weight can also be deeply personal and tied to one's sense of self-worth. In the series, Smith admits to feeling embarrassed by his pandemic body and the midnight muffins he indulged in. This sense of shame can be a powerful motivator, but it can also be detrimental to one's mental health if not managed healthily. Smith's series takes an introspective turn as he uses his weight loss journey as a means to confront his inner fears, doubts, and even past struggles with imposter syndrome.
Finally, losing weight can be emotionally challenging due to the need to confront one's relationship with food and exercise. This may involve acknowledging unhealthy habits, such as emotional eating or a sedentary lifestyle, and developing a more mindful and disciplined approach. For Smith, this meant committing to a sustainable diet and workout routine, including daily cardio and resistance training. Overcoming emotional attachments to food and sedentary behaviours can be incredibly difficult, requiring a shift in one's mindset and daily habits.
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Smith's new diet and workout routine
Will Smith is an actor known for his dedication to his craft, and this includes his workout routine and diet. In preparation for his role in the film 'Ali', Smith trained for 12 months to go from 185 pounds to 220 pounds. His workout routine for this role included weightlifting training 5 days per week, with a focus on two body parts per workout.
For his role as Deadshot in 'Suicide Squad', Smith's trainer, Aaron Ferguson, designed a sustainable diet and workout routine. This included two days of resistance training, followed by a day off, and then two more days of training. Day 1 focused on arms and abs, while Day 2 was dedicated to legs. Day 3 was a mix of back and core exercises, and Day 4 was a mix of different routines. Smith also incorporated cardio into his mornings with sunrise runs.
Smith's diet typically consisted of around 3,500 calories per day, spread across 5 meals. He occasionally used protein powder supplements and his go-to dinner was grilled chicken breast with sweet potato and broccoli.
Smith's dedication to his fitness routine is evident, and he takes it just as seriously as his acting career. In his YouTube series, 'Best Shape of My Life', Smith chronicles his weight loss journey and the physical, emotional, and mental challenges he faced while getting back in shape after 50. In the series, he also discusses the creative process of writing his memoir and how he gained weight during the pandemic for his role in 'King Richard'.
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Frequently asked questions
Will Smith's diet documentary is called "Best Shape of My Life".
The documentary is about Smith's weight loss journey and his attempt to lose 20 pounds in 20 weeks. It also showcases the physical, emotional, and mental hurdles he faces in getting back in shape after turning 50.
The majority of the documentary was filmed in Dubai, with scenes of Smith cycling in front of the Downtown skyline and doing yoga on the Burj Al Arab helipad.
The documentary premiered on November 8, 2021, on Smith's YouTube channel.
