In an exciting 2024, singer Meghan Trainor not only dropped her sixth studio album, Timeless, but also kicked off her first headlining concert tour in seven years. As a busy mom of two at 31, she realized it was necessary to completely revamp her fitness routine to prepare for her performances.
Meghan expressed a desire to feel “fit” for her tour, which led her to embrace strength training—resulting in some weight loss as well.
Reflecting on her past efforts, Meghan shared, “I wasted years on intense cardio, trying to be a runner, only to find my body responding poorly—angry and inflamed. I wondered, ‘What’s wrong with me?'” In an exclusive chat with Women’s Health, she revealed her new approach: “Now, I’ve learned that my body thrives on lifting weights, and it doesn’t necessarily make you bulky.”
Her changes paid off quickly. “On tour, I lost even more weight and got stronger, which made performing easier,” she said. “I could wake up at 7 a.m. and keep up with my kids all day, even while traveling. The benefits were clear.”
Strength Training with Daryl Sabara
Meghan and her husband, Daryl, hit the gym together three times a week at 9 a.m. If they can’t make it to a workout, she tracks her steps with an Apple Watch and stays active while doing household chores.
“I always encourage Daryl to join me so I’m not working out alone,” she revealed. “It’s amusing—while I’m doing challenging exercises, he says, ‘I don’t want to work that hard.’ I’m always pushing him to give it a shot!”
Typically, the couple’s nanny watches their two sons, Riley (3) and Barry (1), during their home workouts. The children often stop by to “lift” pretend weights, proudly exclaiming, “Look how strong we are!”
Meghan playfully directs them, urging, “Do your lifts, do your squats!” while also stressing, “Be careful, it’s dangerous!”
Working Towards Booty Gains
Recently, Meghan has honed in on one specific fitness goal: enhancing her backside.
“I want to grow my butt back because losing weight changed my shape,” she explained. “After all, I’m known as the ‘Bass’ girl with the big butt!”
In pursuit of this goal, she focuses on lifting heavier weights and engaging in glute-centric exercises, although they often trigger sciatica discomfort from her pregnancies. “I’m in a challenging situation, trying to be flexible while increasing my glute workouts,” she admitted. “That’s my focus.”
Boosting Protein for Workout Support
Meghan’s trainer recently advised her to aim for 100 grams of protein daily to enhance her fitness objectives, igniting discussions within her team.
“My managers and I chat about how I hit my protein goals for lunch,” she shared, excited about reaching these milestones.
For breakfast, she typically enjoys two eggs accompanied by organic turkey bacon. “I like to keep it varied, but I tend to stick to a routine,” she noted.
For lunch and dinner, Meghan and Daryl opt for recipes from meal delivery platforms that offer ample proteins and carbs. “I wish I were a better cook; I tend to make bland meals,” she admitted. “Daryl loves finding delivery services that pack in nutrition as we navigate our journey.”
While on tour, Meghan maintains a disciplined diet, steering clear of unhealthy food. “I experienced heartburn after a meal at a restaurant we loved. I have to be super careful about what I eat, especially before performing to avoid any stage bloopers!”
Prioritizing Mental Well-being
To complement her physical efforts, Meghan and Daryl prioritize ample sleep, aiming for seven to eight hours nightly. “After putting the kids to bed, we race to our own bed around 8 p.m. Sometimes we stay up until 10 for a date night together, but we strive for as much rest as possible,” she shared.
Adequate sleep and regular exercise play pivotal roles in managing Meghan’s mental health, a concern she’s faced throughout her adult life. She experienced a panic attack at 22, which made her apprehensive about postpartum depression during her pregnancies.
“I heard so many warnings about postpartum issues during pregnancy, so I approached it with caution. Thankfully, my earlier panic attacks helped me prepare,” she reflected. “I involved my psychiatrist, therapist, family, and my support team to navigate my pregnancies. I was like, ‘I need all hands on deck!'”
Ultimately, Meghan, with her doctors’ guidance, decided to continue her antidepressant during both pregnancies. Afterward, she faced self-esteem challenges related to breastfeeding difficulties. This motivated her partnership with Bobbie, a formula company she relied on for both her sons, to raise awareness about the importance of mental health postpartum. Together with Bobbie, she’s offering “Bobbie Care Packages” to support parents in need.
Meghan encourages new moms to request help, no matter the source. “Don’t hesitate to turn to family or friends; I do it every day!” she shared. “It’s crucial to seek support!”
