AFL Star Ben Cousins Reveals Grueling Training Regimen for Dancing With The Stars

Former AFL player Ben Cousins has opened up about the intense physical preparation he is undergoing as he prepares to compete on the upcoming season of Dancing With The Stars. The 44-year-old, who played 270 games for the West Coast Eagles and Richmond Tigers, says he is training harder than ever to get in shape for the demanding dance competition.

"I'm doing a lot of cardio, a lot of running and skipping to build up my endurance," Cousins revealed in an interview. "I'm also doing strength training to build lean muscle and core work to improve my balance and stability, which is essential for dancing."

Cousins, who has publicly battled drug addiction in the past, says that training for Dancing With The Stars has given him a new sense of purpose and focus. "It's been great to have a goal to work towards and something positive to put my energy into," he said. "Dancing is a real challenge for me, but I'm enjoying pushing myself out of my comfort zone."

The six-time All-Australian says he is training up to four hours a day, six days a week with his professional dance partner. "The training is full-on but I'm seeing improvements every day," Cousins noted. "My flexibility and coordination are getting better and I'm starting to feel more confident in my ability to perform the routines."

Why this matters: Cousins' participation in Dancing With The Stars marks a major step in his ongoing recovery and efforts to rebuild his life after years of personal struggles. His commitment to the intense training regimen shows his determination to make the most of this opportunity and potentially inspire others facing similar challenges.

While Cousins acknowledges he still has a long way to go, he is welcoming the process. "I know I'm not going to be the best dancer out there, but I'm going to give it everything I've got," he said. "For me, it's not about winning the competition, it's about proving to myself that I can take on a new challenge and see it through. I hope that by sharing my story, I can maybe help someone else out there who is struggling to see that change is possible."

Key Takeaways

• Ben Cousins, ex-AFL player, prepares for Dancing With The Stars
• Trains 4 hours daily, 6 days a week to build endurance, strength
• Sees training as a positive goal, helping his ongoing recovery
• Aims to inspire others facing challenges by sharing his story
• Not focused on winning, but proving he can take on new challenges