Men's Health June 11, 2026 0 Comments

Tim Howard’s Game-Changing Wellness Secret: How One $300 Trick Transformed His Life—and It Can Do the Same for You!

Tim Howard—ever wonder what keeps a soccer legend like him sharp off the field? Known as “The Secretary of Defense,” this US Men’s National Team icon didn’t just snag historic saves; he packed some serious gear in his travel bag that helped him stay on point—literally—no matter where he was. From a trusty Nike yoga mat that turned any hotel room into his personal stretching haven to a sleek Samsung Frame TV that brings the big game right into his living room, Howard’s gear reveals a fascinating blend of dedication and style. Curious about the tools that keep this goalie turned analyst at the top of his game? Let’s dive into the essentials that keep Tim Howard on his toes—and maybe inspire your own fitness and recovery routine. LEARN MORE

2 min read

TIM HOWARD IS one of the first names that comes to mind when you talk about the US Soccer Men’s National Team. The goalkeeper made major contributions for his clubs and his country, still holding the record for most saves in a single game in World Cup history (snagging 16 from the net during the 2014 game against Belgium). His abilities on the field earned him the title of “The Secretary of Defense,” and after his retirement from Major League Soccer, earned him a spot on the analyst desk for NBA Sports. Here is the gear that helps keep him on the ball.

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During his time as a professional soccer player, Howard always traveled with a Nike yoga mat in his luggage. “Being able to stretch and do yoga no matter where I was, no matter what hotel I was stuck in, made me feel like I was able to get an edge regardless of the outside factors,” he says.

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Given his gig on the NBC Sports desk and being a fan of sports in general, having a good screen to watch the games at home is important. Howard opted for the subtle yet stylish Frame from Samsung, which can showcase different art and images when there’s nothing he has to watch.

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Howard may be well known for his athletics on the soccer field, but these days he breaks a sweat on the courts. No matter what racquet sport he’s playing, pickleball or tennis, he stays true to Wilson across the board. “When I was playing, I used all kinds of balls, from tennis balls to lacrosse balls to target certain trigger points,” he says.

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“Landon sent me a copy of his book in the mail,” says Howard. And while there are sure to be a few stories he might have heard already, since they are co-hosts on Soccer Unfiltered, he’s excited to give it a read. “He even promised he’d sign it for me!”

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Gifted this watch by his coach after his 100th capture with the US Men’s Team, the back has the number “100” etched on it. “It’s a beautiful piece from Rolex, and while it could be a special occasion wear, I use it as my everyday watch,” Howard says.

100-Gallon Oval Galvanized Steel Stock Tank

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Howard does contrast therapy for recovery, combining sauna with cold plunging, but more often, he just plunges. “There’s something about the cold that just helps me feel alive, it is definitely a ritual I recommend,” he says. Rather than spending a few thousand dollars on a more specialized piece of tech, he opts for a simple tank from the hardware store that he can fill with cold water and ice.

Charles Thorp is the Fitness and Reviews Editor at Men’s Health, where he shares the best product recommendations in gym equipment, recovery tools, supplements, and more. Following an early life in athletics, Charles became a NASM-certified trainer and began writing programs alongside the most respected coaches in the world. Since entering the world of fitness content, Charles has had the opportunity to learn from and train alongside high performance individuals from the NFL, UFC, NBA, Formula 1, CrossFit, US Olympics, and Navy SEALs. When he’s not writing about training programs or gear, he can be seen at the gym or in the wild, putting them to the test.