Introduction
Country music icon Blake Shelton has always embraced his larger-than-life persona, whether it’s through his quick wit on “The Voice,” his chart-topping hits, or sharing glimpses into his dynamic relationship with pop superstar Gwen Stefani. In a recent chat with People magazine, the 49-year-old Oklahoma native opened up about his ongoing fitness journey, playfully dubbed his “beach body makeover,” and how it’s transformed his tropical vacations with Stefani.
Shelton’s newfound confidence in his physique has injected a fresh energy into their getaways, blending his signature self-deprecating humor with genuine pride. Since their 2021 marriage, the couple has made a habit of jetting off to exotic locales, and Shelton’s fitness transformation has been quite the ride.
From Dad Bod to Beach Ready: Shelton’s Fitness Evolution
Known for his love of fried food, whiskey, and a laid-back lifestyle, Shelton cheerfully embraced his “dad bod” for years. In a 2023 interview with Men’s Health, he even quipped, “I’m a country boy. I’m not trying to be a fitness model.” However, turning 40 and marrying Stefani, a rock star renowned for her rigorous diet and fitness regimen, prompted Shelton to reconsider. His biggest motivation? As a stepfather to Stefani’s three sons—Kingston, Zuma, and Apollo—he felt a strong desire to keep up with their active lifestyle and Stefani’s boundless energy.
At the start of 2024, Shelton committed to a complete fitness overhaul, enlisting a trainer and nutritionist to reduce body fat and build muscle. Fans and media tracked his progress through social media updates and photos from events like the 2024 Country Music Awards, where a noticeable weight loss was evident. By mid-2025, he had shed 30 pounds, proudly sporting a toned physique he jokingly calls his “beach body Oklahoma style.”
He emphasizes that the change wasn’t about vanity, but about feeling good and mirroring Stefani’s zest for life. “Gwen is out there running circles around me, and I’m like, ‘Hold up. I don’t want to be the guy panting on the beach,'” he told People. His new routine includes weight training, cardio, and even yoga sessions with Stefani, which he confesses to secretly adoring, despite pretending to hate them.
A Fresh Vibe for Vacations
From romantic Caribbean escapes to family trips in Hawaii, the couple’s vacations have always been a highlight. Shelton’s “beach body” has now added an exciting new dimension. In the past, self-conscious about his physique, he’d often don oversized Hawaiian shirts and avoid going shirtless. “I would be the guy with the cooler, staying under the umbrella and saying, ‘You go swim. I’m good,'” he joked.
Now, with his leaner frame, he’s diving into the ocean alongside Stefani, playing volleyball with her sons, and even posing for beach selfies – a far cry from his camera-shy days.
Gwen’s Gentle Influence and Rekindled Romance
At 56, Stefani has been a constant source of encouragement without being a drill sergeant. “Gwen is not my drill sergeant. She is my cheerleader,” Shelton shared. He credits their newfound athletic vacation activities, like paddleboarding and hiking, with strengthening their bond.
During a recent trip to Turks and Caicos, documented on Stefani’s Instagram, Shelton confidently sported swim trunks instead of his usual board shorts. The couple was seen smiling, paddling kayaks under the sunset. Fans went wild, with one user exclaiming, “Blake’s out here looking like he’s ready for a Baywatch audition!” and another adding, “Gwen has him looking so good!”
Despite his transformation, Shelton hasn’t given up on vacation indulgences. “I’m not going to lie. I’m still having my margaritas,” he admitted. He takes a pragmatic, not obsessive, approach to fitness, allowing for cheat days filled with nachos and his favorite BBQ ribs. While he still dislikes kale, Stefani, a vegetarian, has introduced him to healthier options like quinoa salads and smoothies, which he’s surprisingly grown to appreciate. “There was a time when Gwen attempted to sneak kale into my smoothie and I turned to her and said, ‘Babe, this tastes like lawn clippings!'” he laughed.
Their holidays now balance relaxation with activity. A typical day might start with a morning beach jog, followed by a leisurely afternoon by the pool, and evenings dedicated to dancing or exploring local entertainment.
A More Involved Stepfather and Public Adoration
Shelton’s new vigor has also made him a more engaged stepfather. “The boys are now teenagers, and they have an endless supply of energy. I’m out there teaching them how to fish or throwing a football and I’m not getting winded after 5 minutes anymore,” he said, emphasizing that these moments make early morning gym sessions truly worth it.
Fans and media have enthusiastically noted Shelton’s “glow-up.” Social media is abuzz with admiration for his commitment, with comments like, “Blake Shelton’s beach body is giving us life. He and Gwen are the epitome of a couple.” Others have playfully poked fun at his former self, posting throwback images with captions like “from beer belly to beach ready.”
True to form, Shelton embraces the humor, retweeting memes and joking about his past flannel and camouflage attire. During a recent performance in Nashville, he quipped, “Y’all, I’m one ab away from taking my shirt off on stage, but Gwen says, ‘I got to keep it classy.'”
The couple’s dynamic, a charming blend of Shelton’s down-home appeal and Stefani’s glitzy edge, continues to inspire fans. Their frequently shared travel experiences offer a peek into their lighthearted partnership. A video from a Bahamas trip, showing Stefani teaching Shelton to surf and his dramatic wipeout followed by her hilarious laughter, was captioned by Shelton, “She’s the cool one and I’m just trying to keep up,” garnering hundreds of thousands of likes.
A Deeper Connection
Shelton believes his fitness journey has deepened his connection with Stefani. Beyond the physical changes, he’s realized that “when you feel good about yourself, you bring your best to the people you love.” Vacations, once just an escape, have become celebrations of their shared growth. Shelton’s newfound confidence has made these trips more exciting and intimate. “Gwen has always been my rock, but now I’m holding my own a little better,” he said, whether they’re hiking in Costa Rica or relaxing in Cabo San Lucas.
As they plan their next adventure, Shelton hints at a trip to Hawaii to teach the boys how to dive and even a possible European beach holiday, inspired by Stefani’s love for coastal towns like Positano. Whatever the destination, one thing is clear: Blake Shelton’s “beach body” isn’t just about looking good. It’s about fully embracing life’s moments with his best friend. As fans summarize it, Blake and Gwen are proving that it’s possible to get fit, have fun, and still be crazy in love.