Determined to transform himself, Shaquille O’Neal is drawing inspiration from another ‘big’ icon in the fitness world. He’s tapped into a close associate of the bodybuilding world to fulfil his grand fitness goals. And it’s showing. Shaq channeled The Gift to show his progress thanks to the help of his fantastic fitness guru. Hilariously, some fans fired strays at famed comedian Kevin Hart for his stature. To be fair, Big Diesel has the ability to make anybody look small.

Shaq’s connection to bodybuilding runs deep. Thanks to his IFBB pro fitness trainer, he’s ready to give Mr. Olympia veterans a run for their money. Nevertheless, his physical stature beside a seven-time Mr. Olympia winner is leaving fans gasping for air.

Shaquille O’Neal’s trainer shows of old Big Diesel

When he decided to get fit, Shaquille O’Neal got the best in the business. And that would be bodybuilding veteran behind the successes of many Mr. Olympia titleholders, Roc Shabazz. Their friendship is even better and it shows in their history. While Roc has been dutifully getting Shaq fit since 2022, their relationship goes way back. It has to do with Big Diesel’s longstanding connection to the bodybuilding world.

Back in 2020, the four-time NBA champion was named the Honorary Olympia Ambassador too. Since then, his journey towards shedding weight has only accelerated.

As of his last weigh-in, the Los Angeles Lakers legend is 55 pounds lighter towards his weight-loss goal. He’s confessed it’s not been easy to get back into his former athletic mindset to stay fit. And he’s made no secret of who he’s channeling to get back into the zone.

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“In my former life I was Phil Heath,” Shaq had proclaimed when he ripped his shirt off for Instagram and posed like The Gift. On a funny note, he admits he’s not there but has every bit of determination to resemble the seven-time Mr. Olympia winner with the help of his trainer.

There was one such moment that has been sitting on Roc Shabazz’s gallery and he decided to reveal it to his Instagram fans. “Throwing it back to the 2018 Mr. Olympia with @philheath, @rocshabazz and @shaq #throwbackthursday #mrolympia,” he captioned the photograph of himself with Shaq and Phil Heath.

Now that Roc revealed this throwback photo, fans are stunned by Big Aristotle’s natural bodybuilding stature.

Fans shocked at Shaq’s throwback

Phil Heath is a respectable 5’9″. However, standing next to Shaquille O’Neal, fans feel he’s looking more like the 5’2″ Kevin Hart. Or a shredded version of the comedy star as one commenter pointed out, “Damn!! Kevin hart got yoked.” Another would also add, “Kevin Hart is stacked!”

Only one gave Heath his due respect before correcting themselves. “I initially thought that you were kneeling but shaq is just that tall.” 

Take note, the Big Shamrock is actually bending a little to get in frame and he’s cut off. The problem was summarized by one comment, “Shaq literally makes some of the biggest humans on earth look small.” There were also a few choice GIFs to point out that Shaq’s hand is as big The Gift’s bulging bicep.

Others found healing in this meet-up between a basketball giant and a bodybuilding titan. “Shaq next to the mass monsters doesn’t make me feel so bad now,” said an Instagram user. Others were feeling like Kevin Hart themselves. “wow. I cant even imagine how tiny I would look standing next to the Diesel.” 

Just a typical day for Shaq making everyone feel tiny. We can’t for him to follow up the 2018 picture with Heath again when he meets his fitness goals.

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