Bengals defensive end Shemar Stewart looks on during the Bengals Rookie Mini Camp on Friday, May 9, 2025 at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. Albert Cesare/The Cincinnati Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

'That Sucked' - Shemar Stewart Highlights Pilates Discovery Following Bengals' Rookie Minicamp

Originally posted on Cincinnati Bengals on SI
By Russell Heltman | Last updated May 9, 2025 4:04 PM ET

Shemar Stewart didn't participate in Friday's rookie minicamp with the Bengals, but he was all smiles with the media following the session. He was notably happy about an exercise addition in the past week: Pilates.

Stewart is still going through contract negotiations on his first-round deal, along with Demetrius Knight Jr.

"I did some Pilates, that sucked," Stewart noted with a smile about what he's been up to since the 2025 NFL Draft. "But other than that, I've just been working on becoming a better person, better player for my team. So when I get here, we can hit the ground running."

Stewart is one of the most athletic defensive ends to enter the NFL in the past 30 years, and now he's got a new sharpener for those traits. Pilates focuses on core strength exercises and has a series of sets that get progressively difficult.

Core and upper body strength are obvious needs for an NFL defensive end. Stewart is hooked and said fans might see him at a Pilates studio around town.

"I walked out there [on the field] feeling like a million bucks."

Stewart is about to sign for millions once the fine details of his rookie contract get hashed out.