Steve Howey, best known for playing Kevin Ball on Shameless, has discovered the key to staying fit and full of energy in his 40s. By ditching alcohol and committing to intense workouts, he has transformed his health and lifestyle. Here’s a closer look at his training routine, diet, and mindset that keeps him in shape.
A Workout Routine Built for Strength and Stamina
Howey approaches his workouts with a high level of intensity and dedication. He doesn’t just exercise for 40 minutes—he considers that a warmup. His training sessions last up to three hours and are packed with strength and endurance exercises.
Why He Trains So Hard
One of the main reasons Howey pushes himself in the gym is to be a better father. “In the past, I was tired and grumpy in the morning,” says Howey, who has three kids. Cutting out alcohol gave him more energy and helped him become more present in his family life.
His Go-To Weight Training Routine
Inspired by the Arizona State wrestling team, Howey follows a workout where he carries a 45-pound weight plate throughout the session. His routine includes:
Around-the-worlds – Circling the weight over his head
Squat presses – Combining squats with overhead presses
Squat to shoulder presses – Engaging multiple muscle groups for strength and endurance
He performs 10 to 15 reps per exercise, takes short breaks while holding the plate, and then moves on to the next set.
Adjusting Workouts for His 40s
At 40, Howey is mindful of his body’s limits. “The best workouts for my body are also the toughest,” he admits. He listens to his body, especially when he feels strain on his joints, and adjusts his training accordingly.
Steve Howey’s Nutrition Rules for Staying Lean and Strong
Howey believes that fitness isn’t just about working out—it’s about eating right. Here are the three principles he follows to maintain a muscular physique:
1. Prioritizing Vegetables
Howey learned that you build a six-pack in the kitchen. After trying and failing with meal delivery services, he took advice from his wife, actress Sarah Shahi, and started eating more vegetables. “The only thing I could eat a ton of was broccoli,” he jokes.
2. Staying Consistent
According to Howey, diet consistency makes a more significant impact than exercise alone. “Eating properly for a week is more beneficial for me than a month of intense workouts,” he says. A clean diet keeps his waistline lean and his abs defined.
3. Boring is Better
Howey recently started using the Blood Type Diet app to determine the best foods for his body. He realized that some of his favorites, like coffee and coconut oil, don’t work well for his body. So, he follows a classic bodybuilding diet: chicken and broccoli. While it can get boring, he adds variety with hot sauce to keep things interesting.
Training for Life, Not Just for a Role
When asked why he trains so intensely, Howey keeps it simple: “The trainers ask, ‘Are you training for something?’ and I just say, ‘Life, man. Life.’”
His dedication to fitness is about more than looking good—it’s about feeling strong, having energy, and staying active for his kids.
Want to see Howey in action? Shameless airs Sundays at 9 p.m. EST on Showtime.
