[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1509574518970{padding-bottom: 24px !important;}”]The World Wrestling Entertainment is a billion-dollar company that reaches over 650 million homes worldwide. They have their own subscription based entertainment service known as the WWE Network which only trails Netflix, Amazon Video, Hulu and MLB.tv in terms of subscribers. They have five hours of live TV weekly on the USA Network. They are the most popular wrestling brand in the world.

The WWE’s balance sheet will show a variety of assets, but it won’t show their biggest asset, the superstars. The WWE bolsters a main roster of over 100 active superstars. Their “developmental” brand NXT also employs another 100+ prospecting WWE superstars. Becoming a WWE superstar is one of the toughest thing to accomplish in life. Remaining a WWE superstar is just as tough.

The life of a WWE superstar takes a toll on you physically and mentally. So we were curious, how does a WWE superstar find time to maintain their physical health and their sanity. When do they find time to workout? How do they eat right while being on the road for over 300 days a year? We wanted answers to these questions and no one can answer them better than a current WWE superstar. Cue WWE superstar Erick Rowan.

A Wrestler’s Guide to a Healthy Diet

[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]Erick Rowan has been with the WWE since 2011. Erick did what a lot of prospecting wrestlers do, he worked what the industry calls the independent circuit. I had the privilege of sharing the ring with Erick Rowan before he signed with WWE. He was a monster then, but now he is an even bigger monster. Maintaining his physique is one of the most challenging things he faces on a daily basis.

On a typical week Erick travels with the WWE for five days. He leaves his family on Saturday’s and returns on Wednesday’s. On his “off” days he spends his time prepping for the next week. This includes laundry, travel plans, and, of course, gym time. While on the road these things propose some difficulties.

For a typical person, five days on the road means at least 15 meals eating out at restaurants. Erick is no different. He does have the luxury of WWE’s catering service at televised events (Raw, SmackDown, and PPVs) but this is not offered on live events (known as house shows or non-televised events).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]“It’s great the company offers it. They have healthy choices and not so healthy choices,” Erick told FitnessInormant.com, “but as much as we are on the road it gets old sometimes.” Erick did stay that they are welcome to take whatever they want from the catering to eat after the event but he would rather get something freshly cooked to eat after a show.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”]

WWE Wrestler’s Workout Schedule​

[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1509574748318{padding-bottom: 24px !important;}”]On the non-televised events the WWE superstars are on their own. A popular restaurant of choice for the wrestlers is Chipotle. “It’s cheap, fast and easy. They can also sit out for a few hours and can eat it backstage at house shows,” Erick said, “You have to fuel the machine.” When Chipotle is not around the superstars have to try to find a healthy alternative. “I usually go the caveman diet. Eat things that can be grown, hunted or harvested,” he says, “High protein and slow burning carbs to get me through the day.”[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]Eating correct on the road is one thing, trying to find time to workout and a place to workout is another. “Call time for events is usually around 5:30pm [local time]. So anytime before that. There’s always time to train,” Erick told us. He is currently on a plan from world known trainer Rob MacIntyre, CSCS. Erick is a member of LA Fitness which has many locations nation-wide so he can typically find a gym. “When there’s not one close I just Google a gym,” he said.

Many of the WWE superstars get access to local gyms for free. What gym wouldn’t want a famous person getting jacked inside their facility? The coolest facility Erick has ever worked out in was in Ireland at a gym that was dug in from an old railroad terminal. Now that’s a picture that’s worth a 1,000 words.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”]

Becoming a Supple Leopard

[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1538003736196{padding-bottom: 24px !important;}”]WWE superstars must workout for aesthetics, strength and durability. “Some weeks are dedicated to strength, others for aesthetics,” Erick told us. “Lately I have been into rehabilitation and flexibility for warmup. The bookby Dr. Kelly Starrett is a life changer. Now with my most recent surgery this will become my textbook,” he said. Erick suffered a torn rotator cuff in September 2016 at a SmackDown Live event.

Working out for durability and injury prevention is a key area of focus for WWE superstars. One of the main tips Erick gives us is that you really need to listen to your body and modify your workouts when something doesn’t feel right. All too often we push through the pain when there is nothing smarter on this planet than the human body.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]Workouts for WWE superstars vary from each individual. Some guys like to train Cross Fit. Others like Olympic style lifting. The typical workout week for Erick ranges but he tries to lift four days a week with an additional day or two of cardio and stretching. Every WWE superstar has their favorite body part to lift, “mine is chest,” Erick said. Since his injury, however, he is looking forward to more of full-body workouts and whatever his physical therapist will allow.

The WWE is filled with extremely strong athletes. The CEO of WWE, Vince McMahon, has graced the cover of Muscle & Fitness magazine for his incredible physique at over 70 years of age. This mindset does still trickle down to the roster. Erick said he has never had the pleasure of working out with Vince but says, “I heard he’s a maniac at the gym.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”]

A Wrestler’s Sleep Schedule

[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]Erick said the strongest wrestler in WWE currently is WWE superstar Big E (Big E was a former defensive lineman for the University Iowa Hawkeyes). “Big E is a beast. I used to think I was strong but this guy has a way of humbling you,” he said, “Imagine doing reps on bench with three plates on each side and you’re feeling great. Big E asks if you’re finished. You say, ‘sure, want anything off?’ He goes, ‘No leave it,’ then adds another 45 to each side for a warm-up. HUMBLED.” Erick says that current WWE superstar Cesaro is also deceivingly strong.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1547613873975{padding-bottom: 24px !important;}”]

As you can imagine being on the road for over 300 days each year, traveling over 5 hours to the next city that you are lacking in the sleep department. Erick said that the typically WWE superstar might get, at most, six hours of sleep on house shows. Sometimes as little as three hours. “I try to get as much sleep as I can,” he said, “Most hotels kick us out at 11am though. If I get eight hours, it’s a good day.” Erick’s spot on the roster is in the mid-tier. He is one of their best big men. Now imagine if you’re in the top spot and you’re called on to do ever media appearance and every tour. Your sleep diminishes significantly.

Professional Wrestlers and Supplements​

Supplementation is key for WWE superstars as they lack sleep and their ideal diet. “Everyone’s different. I like multivitamins, fish oil, Quest Bars and ONE Bars when it comes to my favorite protein bars, Optimum Nutrition’s Amino Energy for amino acids and Isopure’s whey protein powder,” Erick tells FitnessInformant.com. After his most recent surgery he plans on incorporating collagen as well. His favorite pre-workout supplement? We’ll have to ask in the next interview.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”]

​Importance of Being Physically Fit

[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]The days of larger than life WWE superstars like Hulk Hogan and the Ultimate Warrior may be behind us, but Erick says that fitness is more important today than yesterday. “In those days there was no wellness policy. It’s about long-term fitness and health. I want to be able to play with my grandkids and have no pain,” he tells us. WWE’s Wellness Policy is one of the strictest drug testing programs in the country, rivaling the Olympic testing and MLB.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]

For aspiring profession wrestlers, however, Erick says that you still need to take fitness very seriously. “Wresting is not about looks anymore. But being on the road 300+ days a year you have to be in-shape. Mentally and physically. You don’t have to be a bodybuilder but take respect in how you look, and it will improve the way you feel.”

WWE’s commitment to the fitness industry remains apparent today with their financial deal with Tapout. In 2015 WWE purchased an interest in the company. WWE runs fitness camps throughout the country and overseas for the general public. There are currently four Tapout fitness centers open around the country. You can purchase Tapout gear at JC Penny or online by clicking here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]