‘I eat a donut every morning'; Elon Musk's surprising fitness routine and diet unveiled

Time of India

2 days ago

Source: X
Elon Musk is best known for revolutionising industries from electric vehicles with Tesla to space exploration through SpaceX. But behind his high-octane lifestyle, the tech billionaire maintains a surprisingly grounded approach to health and fitness.
Despite his intense work schedule and aversion to traditional exercise, Musk has developed a pragmatic wellness routine focused on staying functional rather than looking shredded. From weightlifting and martial arts to avoiding late-night meals, Musk's routine shows how even the busiest minds can prioritize health without obsessing over it. Here's a closer look at Elon Musk's health habits, including his workout philosophy, eating preferences, and sleep strategies.
Elon Musk's fitness philosophy
Musk doesn't pretend to enjoy exercise—in fact, he openly admits that if he could skip working out entirely, he would. During an interview on The Joe Rogan Experience, the Tesla CEO confessed, 'To be totally frank, I wouldn't exercise at all if I could.' His approach to fitness mirrors his business mindset: minimal effort, maximum output.
However, the 48-year-old entrepreneur recognizes the reality of aging. 'The older I get, the harder it is to stay lean,' he said, noting that maintaining physical health is necessary, not optional.
His strategy is simple: stay active enough to function at a high level, not necessarily to become a fitness icon.
Elon Musk's workout routine
Elon Musk prefers weightlifting to cardiovascular workouts. 'I lift some weights,' he said, though he no longer works regularly with a personal trainer. This no-frills approach keeps him strong without demanding too much time or enthusiasm. While he's not a fan of running, Musk occasionally uses a treadmill usually while watching compelling TV shows to keep himself distracted.
His main goal isn't endurance or aesthetics; it's basic strength and health maintenance.
Musk has also dabbled in martial arts over the years, mentioning to Rogan that he's practiced Taekwondo, judo, karate, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. His children have been enrolled in jiu-jitsu since the age of six.
Elon Musk's diet preferences
When it comes to eating, Musk doesn't follow a strict or clean diet. He's candid about his preference for flavorful meals over health food.
'I'd rather eat tasty food and live a shorter life,' he told Rogan. Still, he keeps weight gain in check because he understands its health implications, especially on the immune system.
In earlier years, Musk took a minimalist approach to food. During college, he once survived on $1 CAD a day—living on hot dogs and oranges. These days, he's more indulgent but still aims for moderation. He's fully aware that staying fit means balancing enjoyment with responsibility.
Elon Musk's sleep routine
Balancing sleep with a 90-hour workweek isn't easy. Musk has famously said it's often a choice between no sleep or resorting to Ambien. On average, though, he tries to get six hours of rest per night, believing it's enough to maintain peak cognitive performance.
Musk advises avoiding food or alcohol two to three hours before bed to improve sleep quality. 'Eating before you go to bed is a real bad idea,' he said. Late-night meals can cause digestive issues and interfere with restful sleep, so he avoids them when possible.
Elon Musk practical wellness for high-pressure leadership
Musk's health routine isn't glamorous—but it's realistic. His consistent yet non-obsessive approach to fitness, diet, and sleep allows him to sustain his grueling workload while staying physically and mentally resilient. He isn't chasing athletic perfection; he's managing health for long-term effectiveness. His habits provide a valuable blueprint for anyone balancing ambition with wellness. Whether it's lifting weights for strength, skipping food before bed, or just watching TV on the treadmill, Musk proves that maintaining health doesn't require extremes—just deliberate, sustainable choices.
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