Adam Thomas reveals incredible body transformation after heartbreaking health diagnosis
Actor Adam Thomas is just one of the 10 million people in the United Kingdom who currently live with pain, fatigue and stiffness daily - but he’s been determined not to let his condition get in the way of building his dream physique.
The Emmerdale alumnus, 37, recently shared that before embarking on his fitness journey, he was ‘out of shape, stuck in bad habits’ and ‘felt like a shadow of the person’ he used to be.
Six months after ‘finally’ getting his autoimmune disease ‘under control’ via biological injections, Thomas - who won the second all-star series of I’m a Celebrity… South Africa earlier this year - claimed he had started eating better, moving more, and staying consistent.
“Everything started to change,” he wrote in a now-viral Instagram transformation video.
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“It wasn’t easy. There were plenty of tough days, but I refused to give up.”
Amid his new health and fitness regime, which sees him working with Ultimate Performance trainer Steve Chambers, Thomas has dropped almost 19lb and reduced his body fat from 19.2 percent to 12.2 percent.
“I always thought I was fit and active until I started this transformation,” the father-of-two told Men’s Fitness.
“Looking back, I realised I’d been doing things wrong for years. I did plenty of cardio and running, but I wasn’t really training effectively.”
Rather than living in the gym, Thomas and Chambers devised a plan that saw the pair strength training just three times per week, featuring heavy compound lifts, hypertrophy work and metabolic conditioning.
Sessions early in the week ‘prioritised strength through compound exercises such as deadlifts, while later workouts increased training volume to improve muscular detail and definition’, as per the publication.
However, because Thomas was diagnosed with arthritis before his stint on Strictly Come Dancing back in 2023, adjustments had to be made.
“My wrists are probably the biggest issue, especially when lifting heavier weights,” the celebrity admitted.
“Every gym session still comes with some discomfort, so I’ve had to learn different techniques and adapt exercises to protect my joints while still training hard.”
Thomas has psoriatic arthritis, which he previously revealed left him ‘struggling to walk’ and caused him to develop psoriasis.
The chronic inflammatory disease sees the immune system attacking healthy joints and skin, causing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, as per The National Psoriasis Foundation.
Because of his condition, Thomas’ trainer programmed him for uphill treadmill walks in the morning, which were designed to be ‘much kinder’ on his joints while still contributing significantly to his calorie expenditure.
“I’m still working on my confidence and still have a long way to go, but this journey has shown me what’s possible,” the reality TV favourite shared with his Instagram followers.
“If you’re living with an autoimmune disease, don’t give up on yourself. Keep fighting. You’ve got more in you than you think.”
Speaking about his client’s dramatic body transformation, Chambers told Men’s Health: “Adam had both the motivation and the commitment.
“He always trained with intensity, never lost sight of the goal and trusted the process throughout the 14 weeks. We’re incredibly proud of everything he achieved.”
After gracing the cover of the magazine, Thomas has said he’s turning his attention to competion, admitting a HYROX could be on the cards.
“Ironically, that’s where everything originally started because I was training for one when I suffered the injury that led to all the inflammation in my joints.
“It feels like I’ve got unfinished business there,” he added.
Thomas’ friends and fans alike have commented on his incredible physique, with Gemma Collins writing: “You was always perfect to me.”
“Absolute madness!!!! Some achievement my brother,” wrote former Love Island star and his sibling, Scott Thomas.
Geordie Shore’s Nathan Henry commented: “Smashing it Adam.”
“You've inspired me Adam looking awesome and strong. As a 64 year old Psoriatic arthritis warrior...I've changed my diet..lost 1st 9lbs so far and am keeping going,” said someone else.
“It's a dreadful disease but you've got this...and lots of support too. Keep going lovely.”
Ella Scott