Latest news with #KlayThompson
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
3 Must-Try Takeaways From Megan Thee Stallion's Abs Workout, According to a Trainer
Sure, Megan Thee Stallion is most famous for her musical talents, but the Grammy-award winning rapper can also bring it in the gym. In a video shared with her 32.7 million Instagram followers over the weekend, Megan highlighted snippets of her workout program with new boyfriend-slash NBA star Klay Thompson. And while the accompanying commentary was humorous ('we had to do these goddamn Russian twist ball thingamajigs' Megan quipped when describing the core exercise), the overall routine was no joke. It featured 10 different exercises—including some super advanced ones, like ab wheel rollouts, planks with alternating leg and arm lifts, and split squats with a single-arm overhead press—that together smoke pretty much every muscle group. Advertisement 'She's obviously killing it in this workout,' Katie Pierson, CPT, a Montana-based certified personal trainer and contributor at Indoor Cycling Love, tells SELF. But the video doesn't just emphasize Megan's impressive strength; it also highlights some pretty awesome fitness principles that anyone can benefit from—particularly if you feel like your ol' standby abs routine is getting a little, shall we say, stale. Here are three takeaways to maximize your core workouts, according to Pierson, that are worth incorporating into your own gym seshes. 1. There are tons of different ways to train your core—and no, it's not just about 'abs exercises.' While the workout Megan shared was a full-body routine, there was a clear emphasis on core activation, Pierson says. But a workout stacked with sit-ups, this was not: She targets her entire core with a bunch of different movement patterns. And that's key to well-rounded strength in the gym—and functional fitness outside—of it, since it preps you to better handle a wide variety of scenarios you may encounter in daily life, including hauling a heavy box without stressing your back, twisting your torso to put groceries on your counter, and staying upright when your dog barrels into your knees. Advertisement Let's take a closer look: The Russian twists engage her core through dynamic movement with rotation, which especially fires up the obliques (muscles on the sides of the torso). The static plank works the core isometrically (no movement at all!) since the goal there is to hold as still as possible; in this case, muscles like the transverse abdominis (deep core muscle that wraps around your spine and sides) have to really fire to keep her steady and prevent her hips from drooping. The plank with alternating arm and leg lifts is an example of an instability challenge. By removing a base of support, this requires her core to work extra hard to hold steady. But it's not just about 'abs exercises,' either: Megan incorporated compound exercises like the sled push, hex bar squat, and split squat with single-arm overhead press. While you might think of these more as lower-body exercises—they certainly do smoke your legs and glutes—your core is actually a huge player here. Those muscles need to fire to stabilize her spine while her limbs move to push that heavy load. 'She's really fatiguing her muscles in different ways and changing the training stimulus,' Pierson says. And that variety is something to emulate. That's because 'if you're doing just one type of movement, your body is going to adapt,' Pierson explains. And when it adapts, it won't continue to get stronger, since it's no longer challenged. That's why training your core in a bunch of different ways, as Megan does, is beneficial if you want long-term results. This type of comprehensive core training is also key for helping that muscle group work together as one unit, Pierson adds. Your core isn't just your abs, or your rectus rectus abdominis, the muscles that run horizontally across your abdomen—it incorporates your lower back muscles, too. And to have the sturdiest, most functional core possible, you need both front and back to be strong. (If there's an imbalance between the two, you run the risk of pain, injury, and decreased performance, Pierson says.) So rather than only doing moves that primarily home in on the abs (like sit-ups or crunches), it's important to incorporate exercises that train your entire core. 2. Adjusting exercises to your level is key. There are a few instances in the video where Megan tweaks exercises so that they are doable for her: Modifications are huge, since they allow you to keep your form on point, which is key to getting the benefits of the exercise. As Pierson explains it, you want to 'make sure that your form is on point so you don't injure yourself and you're getting the most out of your workout.' Advertisement Take the ab wheel rollouts: That exercise is 'an advanced move,' Pierson says. When doing them, it's important to keep your spine in neutral alignment rather than letting it arch; otherwise you could strain your lower back, she explains. Maintaining that alignment requires a lot of core strength, and it becomes harder to do the farther you roll out the wheel. So if you're new to the exercise, take a cue from Megan: She reduces her range of motion, stopping part-way before reversing the movement. This is a key mod, since it allows her to do the move without letting her hips sag or lower back arch. Then there's a pull-up, another super advanced exercise that, yep, smokes your back and biceps, but also really fires up your core, too. Megan uses a band (and her boyfriend as a spotter) to complete it. With the pull-ups, 'I love that she's using the band for those,' Pierson says. (The band makes the exercise easier by reducing some of your bodyweight, so there's less heft for you to pull up.) This assistance 'removes the barrier of entry' for pull-ups, Pierson says, and makes this challenging, oftentimes intimidating exercise more accessible. 3. The cooldown is a can't-skip step to any kind of strength workout. The video ends with Megan and Klay cooling down: Megan helps Klay perform a hamstring stretch and a variation of the happy baby stretch. The cooldown, Pierson says, is a part of the workout that 'a lot of people miss.' It can seem like a skippable component, especially for exercisers who are short on time or those who think movement needs to leave them sweaty and aching to be worthwhile. But taking a few minutes for gentle movement and stretching post exercise is important on several fronts. Advertisement For one, regular stretching can help improve your range of motion, which ultimately helps you get more out of your workouts, Pierson explains. That's because the more range of motion you have, the more muscle you can activate and the more strength you'll eventually gain. Plus, stretching after a workout increases blood flow, boosts oxygen levels, and delivers nutrients to your body and your muscles, which aids with the recovery process. Then there's the fact that the cooldown is a great way to calm your body and mind post exercise, helping you end your workout on a feel-good note. And that can cultivate a positive association with exercise that spurs you to make it a regular habit. Along with a stellar pump-up playlist (might we suggest Megan's 2024 namesake album?), that may be all the motivation you need to crush your gym goals. Related: Get more of SELF's great fitness coverage delivered right to your inbox—for free. Originally Appeared on Self
New York Post
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Shaq offers cruel two-word dismissal of Klay Thompson-Megan Thee Stallion relationship
Shaquille O'Neal isn't shipping the Klay Thompson-Megan Thee Stallion love story after the couple recently went public with their relationship. During Monday's installment of 'The Big Podcast with Shaq,' the retired Basketball Hall of Famer predicted that the romance between the Mavericks guard and the Grammy-winning rapper has a six-week shelf life. When his co-host Adam Lefkoe brought up the new NBA couple, O'Neal said, 'six weeks.' Advertisement 4 Shaq weighs in on Klay Thompson and Megan Thee Stallion's romance during the latest installment of his podcast. YouTube/The Big Podcast with Shaq O'Neal repeated it a few times and shook his head 'no' when asked by co-host Adam Lefkoe if he believed the relationship would survive into the fall. Mike Tyson, who was a guest on the podcast, asked, 'Who's Klay Thompson?' which drew laughter from the live audience laugh. Advertisement O'Neal didn't elaborate further. Thompson, 35, and Megan, 30, went public with their new relationship earlier this month. The 'Hiss' rapper posted a carousel of bikini snapshots as Thompson was seen lounging by the pool in the background during their recent vacation. 4 Megan Thee Stallion and Klay Thompson making their red carpet debut at Pete & Thomas Foundation Gala on July 16, 2025 in New York City. GC Images Advertisement 4 Megan Thee Stallion appeared to include Mavericks guard Klay Thompson in the background of her bikini photo shoot on Instagram on July 9, 2025. Instagram/Megan Thee Stallion After that, the couple wasn't shy about flaunting PDA together on multiple occasions, including on the red carpet and at the gym. Meg and Thompson made their red carpet debut at Pete & Thomas Foundation Gala in New York City on Wednesday. 4 Megan Thee Stallion and Klay Thompson making their red carpet debut at Pete & Thomas Foundation Gala on July 16, 2025 in New York City. Johns PKI / Advertisement The rapper also shared a video of them working out together and recently gushed that he's the nicest man she's ever dated. Meg, who is a native of Houston, will likely be sitting courtside in Dallas this season. The four-time NBA champ is entering his second season with the Mavericks after winning four titles with the Warriors across 13 seasons.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shaq and Mike Tyson debate Warriors legend Klay Thompson's future with Megan Thee Stallion
Klay Thompson has found himself in the tabloids far more than usual this summer. The Golden State Warriors legend and three-time Grammy Award winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion went public with their relationship, leading to plenty of discourse. International Boxing Hall of Famer Mike Tyson recently appeared on "The Big Podcast with Shaq", where he discussed the relationship with Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal. The two legends had a brief discussion on how long the couple will remain together. O'Neal kicked things off by predicting that they will hardly make it through the end of summer. "Six weeks," NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal stated. "The line is six weeks... Six weeks." Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp Tyson disagreed, citing her very public shooting incident with rapper Tory Lanez. "Listen, man, she got shot for that (expletive)," Boxing legend Mike Tyson claimed. "That might be lasting a long time. You know, six weeks ain't nothing. She got shot for it so you got to give her some credit, right? You got to give her a little credit that she might have some staying power with that (expletive)." O'Neal did not reveal why he doesn't believe that the couple will last very long, however, it could be due to the nature of their careers. Tyson, however, sees things differently and believes that the Grammy Award winning rapper and the four-time NBA champion will be able to make things work for longer. Both Thompson and Megan Thee Stallion have had several public relationships. It is unclear how the two stars met, however, they have garnered plenty of attention since announcing their relationship. More NBA:
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Boxing legend Mike Tyson denies knowing Dallas Maverick star Klay Thompson
Images via Getty Mike Tyson has no idea who Klay Thompson is. In a recent episode of the Big podcast with Shaq, the veteran fighter was asked about Thompson and Megan Thee Stallion 's relationship. Tyson had to be informed who Thompson was. The boxing legend discussed his relationship with Shaquille O'Neal. Both veterans had different opinions on how the future of this relationship will turn out. Adam Lefkoe explains who Klay Thompson is to Mike Tyson Co-host Adam Lefkoe pointed the question at Mike Tyson. The relationship of Klay Thompson and American singer and rapper Megan Thee Stallion has been the talk of the town lately. Following the hype, Lefkoe threw the question at Tyson. The expectation was to get a hint of the narrative that is going on in the sphere of other sports as well. However, to everyone's surprise, Tyson denied knowing Thompson. — TheDunkCentral (@TheDunkCentral) He stated, 'Who's Klay Thompson, though?' Clarifying it to the legendary fighter, Lefkoe replied, 'He plays basketball. He was in the Warriors. One of the greatest shooters of all time. He is now on the Dallas Mavericks. And he is with Megan Thee Stallion.' Mike Tyson disagrees with Shaquille O'Neal on Klay Thompson and Megan Thee Stallion's relationship longevity The veterans from the world of basketball and boxing had divided opinions. Co-host Adam Lefkoe asked both Mike Tyson and Shaquille O'Neal about the lasting probability of the newly disclosed relationship. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AirSense 11 – Smart tech for deep sleep ResMed Buy Now Undo Shaq believed that the relationship would not last more than six weeks. Mike Tyson Lists The Hardest Punchers Ever, His Tiger Chasing Shaq + React To Klay's New Gf 'Six weeks…The line is six weeks.' The NBA veteran stated. However, Mike Tyson shared a different opinion. He believed that Thompson could keep the American rapper with him. Tyson stated, 'That might just be a long time. You know six weeks ain't nothing. She got that shot. So you have got to give her some credit. You got to give a little credit that he might got some staying power.' Fans react to Mike Tyson's comment on Klay Thompson Mike Tyson's comment received a mixed reaction. While some fans found it funny, others criticized the legendary boxer for his ignorance. A fan named Red Raider Man wrote, 'Who tf is Mike Tyson.' BjackPacers wrote, 'Bruh come on, unc. You telling me you don't know a splash brother' Jim Park commented, ''Who's Klay Thompson" is not a line I ever thought I'd hear' Ade wrote, believing that nothing other than boxing entices Tyson. He wrote, 'Mike Tyson is inherently a pugilist — man doesn't care about anything that isn't combat.' Myteamhawk added his comment, 'In Tyson shoes ..why would he know who klay is just wondering ? Doesn't give af about basketball' Image via NBACentral/X (Screengrab) FAQs Who was Megan Thee Stallion's previous partner? Megan Thee Stallion had previously dated Pardison Fontaine until 2023. Who was Klay Thompson's 'previous partner? The NBA star dated American actor and model Laura Harrier . The duo split in 2020. Which team does Klay Thompson play for? Klay Thompson plays for the Dallas Maverick Also Read: Megan Thee Stallion outlifts expectations in viral gym date with boyfriend and NBA star Klay Thompson Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Shaquille O'Neal offers brutal verdict on Klay Thompson's relationship with Megan Thee Stallion
Klay Thompson and Megan Thee Stallion are very happily dating - though Shaquille O'Neal doesn't see the couple lasting very long at all. The pair made their red carpet debut last week as they attended the Pete & Thomas Foundation Gala in New York City. Megan even told told Page Six that she had 'never dated somebody so kind,' and the couple looked to be smitten with one another as they shared a kiss on the red carpet. However, NBA legend O'Neal isn't convinced. The topic of the relationship was brought up on his 'Big Podcast' with Adam Lefkoe and guest Mike Tyson, and the Lakers icon predicted the couple wouldn't even make it to the end of the summer.. 'Six weeks. The line is six weeks,' he said, referencing a fictional betting line. Mike Tyson has no idea who Klay Thompson is 😂😂😂 (🎥 @bigpodwithshaq / — NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 21, 2025 That possibility didn't seem likely as the couple attended the gala together on Wednesday, as Megan clutched her NBA beau's hand as they made their entrance into the event. 'This is my first relationship where I've ever been with somebody who's genuinely a nice person, and he makes me genuinely happy,' she told Page Six from the event. 'I just never dated somebody like him before and I'm just grateful that he's here by my side and he feels the same way about me.' Fans first speculated that the couple were an item when Thompson was seen in the background on a sun lounger in photos that the rapper had posted of herself while on vacation. They've since 'hard-launched' their relationship on social media, as Thompson posted a photo of them kissing on vacation, while Megan later shared a video of the pair working out together. Their romance comes just three months after Megan's relationship with another basketball player, Boston Celtics small forward Torrey Craig, seemingly came to an end. Over the years, the 30-year-old has been romantically linked with a number of high-profile names, including Chelsea soccer star Romelu Lukaku. The Mavericks star and rapper shared a kiss on the red carpet at a gala last week She also previously dated fellow rappers Tory Lanez — who is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence after shooting her in the foot nearly five years ago — and Moneybagg Yo, as well as songwriter Pardison 'Pardi' Fontaine. In August of last year, the musician confirmed she was dating Craig after accidentally sharing a video of them together on TikTok. She posted a clip of her and Craig, who was playing for the Chicago Bulls at the time, carrying out a couple's challenge while laying in bed together. Thompson previously dated actress Laura Harrier from 2018 to 2020. From 2021 to 2023, he had been linked with singer Coco Jones (though there is little public evidence of their relationship). Jones recently got engaged to Cavs star Donovan Mitchell. Thompson, recently wrapped up his debut season with the Mavs after ending his 13-year stay with the Warriors last year.
