An athlete always has to be in their best shape to perform better on the field. And height is not the only important factor when it comes to basketball. Along with an incredibly tall height, the players are required to be agile and quick. Therefore, they are required to follow a set of workout and diet plans.

But fitness is not something that is limited to only athletes, or in this case, current athletes. Former NBA great Shaquille O’Neal might have retired from the court a while ago, but this hasn’t deterred him from staying in the best shape possible.

While the determination is commendable, Shaq apparently needed a small push to leave his previous way of living behind. During an interview with GQ, Shaq talked about the time he went to get a routine body check-up. The doctor informed him that he had sleep apnea and was prone to strokes or hypertension.

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“I had to really get checked out. When they hit you with that three-letter word that starts with D and ends with E, it changes stuff up,” said Shaq.

Shaquille O’Neal gets jacked up in the gym

Shaquille O’Neal turned 50 this year but age is truly just a number. The former Los Angeles Lakers legend has just let his fans know where he has been spending all his time. In a short clip posted by Bleacher Report, Shaq is seen flaunting his abs and powerful build. The video was shot by Shaq in the gym probably during a workout and fans were left in awe.

BR uploaded the clip on their official Twitter account and fans can’t help but admire his physique.

Here are some of the best reactions from NBA Twitter:

Shaq had earlier told Men’s Health that he aimed to have a few more abs added to his “4.9 pack” as he was nearing 5o. Shaq opened up about his struggles with running and admitted that he could not run the way he used to. He said it was upsetting for him when he had to walk on the treadmill instead of running. Nevertheless, Shaq declared with determination that he would get back in better shape soon.

Evidently, when you are aiming for a ripped body, you are meant to follow a particular diet regime. Shaq’s previous meal plan was every fitness instructor’s nightmare. Before he retired, his pre-game meal consisted of sandwiches, fries, and soda. In contrast to that, Shaq revealed his current diet plan is not something that he is enjoying. And it looks like Shaq has followed the plan to achieve what he wanted.

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“My goal is, at 50, to take my shirt off one time, show the ladies how fine I am, and put it back on,” said Shaq.

What do you think of Shaq’s new physique? Share your thoughts in the comments below.