NYPD Detective Inspires with Grueling Workouts to Motivate Cops Nationwide

Eddie Barrett, a 35-year-old NYPD detective with a chiseled physique and a knack for inspiring others, has become a social media sensation by sharing his punishing workout routines. Known as "50Cal" to his hundreds of thousands of followers, Barrett hasn’t skipped a single day of training in 21 years. Yes, you read that right—21 years. He’s on a mission to show his colleagues and people across the nation that there’s no excuse for not being physically fit, especially in a job as demanding as law enforcement.

The married father of one balances his intense fitness regimen with a full-time job in the NYPD's warrant department, a unit specializing in apprehending dangerous criminals. Barrett’s days begin at midnight with an ice bath before he drives an hour to the Bronx. There, he hits the gym before starting his shift at 3:30 a.m., which runs until 3 p.m. He then heads home to spend time with his family before lights out at 8 p.m. Weekends? They’re no break either—he’s up at 3 a.m. to train in his home gym so he can dedicate the rest of the day to his family.

Even on vacation, Barrett doesn’t skip a beat. He’s been known to sprint along sandy beaches in the dead of night, flashlight strapped to his head, before hitting the gym. "Getting my training in is of utmost priority," Barrett shared, admitting that even his wife thinks he’s a little crazy. "It sets the standard for my day and has become who I am." His dedication might border on extreme, but there’s no denying it’s effective.

Barrett’s goal isn’t just personal fitness—it’s to inspire others, especially police officers, to prioritize their health. "If [a suspect] wants to run or fight, they will lose," he said, emphasizing that being faster and stronger could mean the difference between going home safely and facing a serious injury—or worse. He advocates for hybrid training, combining strength exercises with cardio, and posts daily motivational videos to his social media followers, encouraging them to step up their game.

While Barrett doesn’t expect others to mirror his rigorous routine, he stresses the importance of being "fit for duty," especially as some police departments lower fitness standards to address recruitment challenges. "You want to have a level of confidence in your fitness that demands respect," he said. And if you think getting out of bed early is impossible, Barrett has a tip: give yourself no second options. "There is no snooze button. There is no scrolling on social media," he explained. A quick countdown from three or a short prayer is all it takes to jumpstart his day.

Barrett’s commitment to his work and family is deeply rooted in tradition. He wears his late grandfather’s police badge as a necklace and hopes to have a lifelong career in law enforcement. His young son, Henry, already dreams of following the family’s policing legacy. Yet, despite his intense schedule, Barrett insists that family always comes first. "The memories we gather with our families are the most important things in the world," he said, acknowledging that fitness and business goals might sometimes take a backseat.

As for his message to others? Develop core principles, work hard, and never settle. "There’s so much out there for the taking in life," Barrett said. "You’re going to be amazed at what you can accomplish." Whether it’s chasing down suspects or chasing personal goals, Barrett proves that discipline and determination are a winning combination.