From how he’s mastering wellness after retirement to everything you need to know about his new IM8 supplement range…

Written by: Samantha Nice
Written on: July 6, 2025
David Beckham isn’t just a football legend - he’s also become a wellness icon for millions. Whether on the pitch or off, he’s long been committed to performance, recovery and healthy ageing. These days, that commitment is supported by a close-knit team, including his long-time personal trainer and partner at IM8, Bobby Rich, who’s helped shape Beckham’s post-football fitness philosophy and now, his new supplement line.
With the arrival of IM8, Beckham is taking his wellness game to the next level, combining cutting-edge science with natural ingredients to simplify daily nutrition. This deep dive into David's wellbeing routine and supplement stack explores his choices and shares insider insights from those closest to his routine - including Bobby himself.
Hanging up his boots didn’t mean stepping away from peak performance. Since retiring from professional football, David has continued to approach life with the same discipline, focus and commitment that made him a global icon on the pitch. “David's approach to wellbeing is built around one fundamental, consistency,” says Bobby. “He trains daily, and shows up every single day with the same level of commitment he had as a professional athlete.”
“David's goals at 50 are refreshingly straightforward: be as healthy as possible and be functional and capable,” adds Bobby who helps David fine-tune his biomechanics on the major movements and ensure he’s staying consistent. This shift in his overall mindset when compared to his playing days where he was chasing performance metrics is significant. “Back then, it was about his performance on the pitch but now it's about performing for life,” explains Bobby. This involves him being the best version of himself in business, as a father and simply enjoying life to the fullest. “This is a far more sustainable and, frankly, more meaningful approach to fitness.”
At 50, David’s approach to training is worlds away from his football days - and intentionally so. “As you can imagine when he was playing, there was a huge focus on his lower body conditioning as that's what the game demanded,” says Bobby. “But now we've completely transformed his approach to be full-body focused, and honestly, it's made all the difference to how he feels day-to-day.”
This evolution isn’t about chasing aesthetics or keeping up with trends; it’s about building a strong, functional body that can meet the demands of a busy, dynamic life. “His programming is heavily based around strength training, functionality, mobility and built around the fundamentals like push, pull, press and rotation,” explains Bobby. “We keep it fresh by varying those movements with various equipment, range and tempo.”
Recovery also plays a central role in Beckham’s routine as for Bobby, this is just as vital as any workout. “As it should be, recovery is equally as important,” he says. “David’s pre and post-workout nutrition and wellbeing needs are always on point, he’s consistently hydrated, enjoys cold water therapy and we ensure all the work he puts in is supported by deep tissue massages on a regular basis.”
But despite the level of detail and dedication, there’s nothing rigid or joyless about his regimen. “Now that might all sound like a lot, but he makes it for him and his lifestyle and understands that enjoying the process is the only way to maintain the routine that works for him,” adds Bobby. The result is a training plan that prioritises performance, longevity and feeling good… not just looking it.
IM8 marks another new chapter in his wellness journey. One that brings together performance, purpose and science in a way that’s both personal and powerful. Born from a collaboration between Beckham and Prenetics (a global biotechnology leader), IM8 is more than just a supplement range - it’s a daily affirmation of health and longevity.
The name itself carries meaning too. “IM” stands for “I AM,” a bold declaration of self-empowerment, while the number “8” symbolises balance, infinity and continuous improvement which are all principles that echo both Beckham’s personal values and the mission behind the brand. At its core, IM8 aims to simplify and elevate daily nutrition. Backed by Prenetics’ scientific expertise, the products combine cutting-edge biotechnology with essential nutrients to support everything from immunity and recovery to energy and healthy ageing.
“IM8 fits perfectly into David's philosophy of simplicity and sustainability,” explains Bobby. “What excites me most about this product is how it eliminates the complexity that often derails people's wellness routines. Instead of remembering to take multiple supplements from different brands throughout the day, David gets everything he needs in one comprehensive drink.” This streamlined approach is a deliberate departure from what can be a pretty overwhelming picture and one that’s especially aligned with Beckham’s current lifestyle.
“The science behind IM8 aligns with what David needs at this stage of his life,” Bobby continues. “For someone with David's lifestyle (constant travel, business commitments and family responsibilities) the simplicity of delivery is a real game-changer. It's about making wellness accessible, achievable and most importantly, sustainable. When good habits are easy to maintain, you're much more likely to stick with them long-term,” adds Bobby.
What sets IM8 apart isn’t just the formulation though… It's the genuine belief behind the product. For both Beckham and Bobby, this isn’t a badge endorsement - it’s a daily essential. “The collaboration with David on IM8 has been incredible because it's not just a business partnership; it's a product we both genuinely believe in and use ourselves,” says Bobby. “David understands the importance of science-backed nutrition, and IM8 delivers that without any of the gimmicks you see in so many other products.” From its biotech roots to its minimalist approach, IM8 reflects a mindset built for real life with one that’s focused, efficient and built to last.
It’s easy to assume that when a celebrity launches a wellness brand, it’s just another business move. But in Beckham’s case, IM8 isn’t just a product he helped create - it’s something he uses every single day and with real results.
“David takes the IM8 Ultimate Daily Essentials every morning as part of his routine,” says Bobby. “This isn’t a marketing play. I’ve seen firsthand how committed he is to it. He genuinely uses it, and more importantly, he genuinely feels the difference.”
Since making IM8 a fixed part of his mornings, Beckham has noticed specific shifts in how his body performs and recovers. “He’s told me he feels much less inflamed and heavy after tough sessions,” says Bobby. “There’s less stiffness the next day, which means he can keep training hard without feeling like his body’s lagging behind.” This improved recovery has made a big difference - especially for someone who still trains daily, often on limited sleep or after long-haul travel. “We’ve both noticed he bounces back quicker now,” Bobby explains. “He can push through a full workout, jump straight into meetings or filming, and still feel focused and switched on hours later.”
What’s striking, Bobby adds, is how naturally IM8 has fit into Beckham’s life - not because it’s flashy, but because it works. “He’s not someone who overcomplicates wellness. If it’s effective, easy and supports how he wants to feel, he sticks with it. And that’s exactly what this is.” Beckham isn’t trying to sell a quick fix. He’s living proof of what a thoughtfully formulated, science-backed routine can actually deliver - quietly and consistently.
David’s wellness philosophy today is built around balance, not burnout. And while training and IM8 are core pillars, his routine has expanded in ways that reflect his new priorities.
“David's approach to wellbeing is holistic and constantly evolving,” says Bobby. One shift that’s made a noticeable difference? Training with Victoria. “He’d been trying to get her to join him for years, and now that they’re working out together regularly, it’s added a whole new dynamic. That shared commitment really matters.”
Sleep and recovery have become non-negotiables, too. “He takes sleep optimisation seriously. The ice baths, heat therapy, deep tissue work - all of it supports better overnight recovery.” He’s also redefined how he stays active. “Padel has been huge. Yes it’s cardio, but it’s also time with family and friends. It feeds his mental wellbeing as much as physical.”
Gone is the all-or-nothing training mindset from his playing days. “He’s learned that not every session needs to be a killer. Listening to his body and adjusting intensity has helped him stay consistent without burning out.” And perhaps most importantly: “David’s learned that wellness isn’t about perfection - it’s about showing up consistently and making choices that support long-term goals.”
In short, the drive that made him elite as a footballer now fuels a more grounded, sustainable vision of health and one that’s built to last.
This article is for informational purposes only, even if and regardless of whether it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The views expressed in this article are the views of the expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Healf
Samantha Nice is a seasoned wellness writer with over a decade of experience crafting content for a diverse range of global brands. A passionate advocate for holistic wellbeing, she brings a particular focus to supplements, women’s health, strength training, and running. Samantha is a proud member of the Healf editorial team, where she merges her love for storytelling with industry insights and science-backed evidence.
An avid WHOOP wearer, keen runner (with a sub 1:30 half marathon) hot yoga enthusiast and regular gym goer, Samantha lives and breathes the wellness lifestyle she writes about. With a solid black book of trusted contacts (including some of the industry’s leading experts) she’s committed to creating accessible, well-informed content that empowers and inspires Healf readers.