Latest news with #OmegaGym
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Pope Leo XIV's fitness trainer reveals his workout routine
After the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis, and amid much curiosity about who would lead the Catholic Church next, the papal conclave elected Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV. It's difficult to believe, before the white smoke rose over the Vatican, Robert Prevost was just another regular gym-goer blending in with the morning crowd. Before he became Pope Leo XIV, Chicago-born Robert Prevost was just 'Robert' to the staff of Omega Gym in Rome's upscale Prati district. He was a quiet, and courteous gym member who showed up in modest sportswear, worked hard, smiled often - always positive about things, and never once hinted at his powerful role inside the Vatican. When Prevost's name was announced as the new pope, Valerio Masella, his 26-year-old personal trainer who had spent two years working with him, was beyond shocked. 'When he appeared at the window in St. Peter's Square, I recognized him immediately. I couldn't believe it! I trained the new Pontiff. To me, he was just a client like any other," Valerio told Italian newspaper Il Messaggero. While Prevost who's originally from Peru and arrived in Rome in 2023 to lead the Vatican's Dicastery for Bishops, inside the Omega Gym, no one knew him as a cardinal. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Top 25 Most Beautiful Women In The World Articles Vally Undo 'I thought he was a teacher or an academic,' Valerio told the outlet. 'He was intelligent, reserved, and never talked about his job. But Pope? I never imagined.' Valerio also talked about the workout routine of Prevost. Maintained a consistent schedule The future Pope was quite dedicated when it came to working out and regularly trained two to three times a week. He always arrived in the morning with a warm demeanor and was dedicated to her fitness routine. 'He maintained a consistent training schedule,' Valerio was quoted as saying by Associated Press. 'Always friendly, always smiling, but very reserved.' Here are details about his workouts: 1. Aerobic warm-up Valerio revealed Pope's training session always began with cardio. He would either prefer a brisk walk on the treadmill or an intense ride on a stationary bike. The trainer further revealed that his favorite treadmill faced a mural featuring iconic Roman landmarks including St. Peter's Basilica. The warm-up helped improve his endurance, boost circulation, and prepare the body for strength work. Benefits of brisk walking: It not only helps maintain weight, it also improves cardiovascular health, energy levels, and reduces stress. Benefits of stationary bike: It is excellent for building cardiovascular endurance while being gentle on the joints. It also strengthens the lower body, particularly the quads, hamstrings, and calves, through consistent resistance training. 'We'd start slow and then go pretty strong,' Valerio noted. 'Especially on the bike—he liked resistance. It was like a steep climb.' 2. Muscle strengthening and postural training After the cardio, Pope Leo XIV focused on strength and stability using resistance bands, dumbbells, and bodyweight exercises. His training targeted the core, back, and shoulders - the key muscle groups essential for posture and mobility. 'For his age, he stands out for his resistance and healthy body composition,' said Valerio. 'He was in excellent physical shape.' 3. Tennis Apart from regular gym sessions, Pope Leo XIV also loved playing tennis. From time to time, he would rally on a court with a stunning view of the dome of St. Peter's. Tennis has long been a favorite pastime for Pope Leo XIV, who views the sport as both physical exercise and a way to cultivate patience and focus. He has described himself as an amateur tennis player, previously. Recently, in his meeting with the Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner, a few days after he was elected, he confessed that he wouldn't want to face a match with the world number one. Pope Leo XIV isn't the first sporty pope. John Paul II famously hiked and skied. Now as Pope, his commitment to health and discipline is sure to inspire many to stay fit, focused, and resilient, both in body and spirit. Pope Leo XIV Prays For Gaza In First General Audience, Thousands Gather At Vatican One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
The Independent
22-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Independent
Pope Leo's impressive gym routine revealed by ex-personal trainer
From the hallowed halls of the Vatican to the weight racks of a Roman gym, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, has followed an unconventional path to the papacy. For two years, Prevost, appointed in 2023 to oversee bishop nominations, frequented the Omega gym in Rome's upscale Prati district, alongside priests, nuns, and local residents. The gym's owner, Francesco Tamburlani, recalled the moment he learned of Prevost's elevation. "When the name of the pope was announced, my phone rings and my son tells me, 'Dad, it's Robert! Robert, our member!'" Tamburlani recounted, noting the eruption of cheers from his staff. "This moved us, filled us with joy." Prevost, 69, maintained a rigorous workout regimen, surprising his personal trainer, Valerio Masella, with his stamina. Their sessions, two or three times a week, lasted up to an hour and involved a workout plan typically designed for men aged 50-55. So, how much does the pope bench? Masella can't speak to his papal power, since Prevost was focused on posture and cardiovascular capacity. He ran on his favorite treadmill that faces a mural featuring famous local landmarks, among them St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. 'We would start off slow and then go pretty strong, I must say. Especially a lot of resistance on the exercise bike, a very strong climb,' Masella said. Throughout their two-year training, Masella never knew Prevost was a cardinal, nor did he hear him utter a discouraging word. 'I don't think I've ever heard him make a comment about anything that wasn't positive. He was always positive about everything -- the weather, the city, the people, also for me, he said he liked the gym.' A Vatican spokesperson didn't reply when asked for comment. A sporting pope isn't new. Pope John Paul II, who was elected at the age of 58, was an avid skier and mountain trekker. Chicago-born Prevost's game is tennis. On May 15, he met top-ranked player Jannik Sinner, who gave him a racket and offered to play during an off day at the Italian Open. Leo had said earlier in the week that he would be up for a charity match when it was suggested by a journalist. After Prevost took over the Vatican's Dicastery for Bishops in 2023, he said in an interview with the Augustinian Order that his new job had left him little free time to practice his game. While the Mediterranean climate makes tennis possible year-round, the papacy will likely leave him even fewer chances to step onto a court. Tamburlani, the Omega owner, says the Holy Father is welcome back any time he wants to squeeze in a workout. After all, his membership's still active. 'This would make us so happy,' he said. 'We would organize our gym to guarantee his safety and his privacy. We would just need a sign.'
Associated Press
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
At the gym, the future Pope Leo XIV kept a high heart rate and a low profile
ROME (AP) — The Omega gym in Rome has long been frequented by residents of the up-market Prati district, as well as priests, nuns and monsignors from the nearby Vatican City. And also, to the delight of gym staff, the man who would become pope. Robert Prevost came to the Vatican from Peru in 2023 to serve as the powerful head of the office that vets bishop nominations from around the world. Cardinal Prevost broke a sweat at Omega for two years until, earlier this month, he was elected Pope Leo XIV. 'When the name of the pope was announced, my phone rings and my son tells me, 'Dad, it's Robert! Robert, our member!'' Francesco Tamburlani, the owner of the gym, said in an interview. 'I heard the gym staff behind him cheering. ... This moved us, filled us with joy.' A typical workout for someone of Prevost's age, 69, was a mere warm-up for the little-known American cardinal, according to Valerio Masella, his personal trainer. Although it is hard to define an age group for personalized programs, Prevost's plan was more befitting of men aged 50-55. Masella would train him two or three times a week in sessions lasting up to an hour. So, how much does the pope bench? Masella can't speak to his papal power, since Prevost was focused on posture and cardiovascular capacity. He ran on his favorite treadmill that faces a mural featuring famous local landmarks, among them St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. 'We would start off slow and then go pretty strong, I must say. Especially a lot of resistance on the exercise bike, a very strong climb,' Masella said. Throughout their two-year training, Masella never knew Prevost was a cardinal, nor did he hear him utter a discouraging word. 'I don't think I've ever heard him make a comment about anything that wasn't positive. He was always positive about everything -- the weather, the city, the people, also for me, he said he liked the gym.' A Vatican spokesperson didn't reply when asked for comment. A sporting pope isn't new. Pope John Paul II, who was elected at the age of 58, was an avid skier and mountain trekker. Chicago-born Prevost's game is tennis. On May 15, he met top-ranked player Jannik Sinner, who gave him a racket and offered to play during an off day at the Italian Open. Leo had said earlier in the week that he would be up for a charity match when it was suggested by a journalist. After Prevost took over the Vatican's Dicastery for Bishops in 2023, he said in an interview with the Augustinian Order that his new job had left him little free time to practice his game. While the Mediterranean climate makes tennis possible year-round, the papacy will likely leave him even fewer chances to step onto a court. Tamburlani, the Omega owner, says the Holy Father is welcome back any time he wants to squeeze in a workout. After all, his membership's still active. 'This would make us so happy,' he said. 'We would organize our gym to guarantee his safety and his privacy. We would just need a sign.'
Washington Post
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Inside the Roman gym where the future pope kept a high heart rate and a low profile
ROME — The Omega gym in Rome has long been frequented by residents of the up-market Prati district, as well as priests, nuns and monsignors from the nearby Vatican City . And also, to the delight of gym staff, the man who would become pope. Robert Prevost came to the Vatican from Peru in 2023 to serve as the powerful head of the office that vets bishop nominations from around the world. Cardinal Prevost broke a sweat at Omega for two years until, earlier this month, he was elected Pope Leo XIV .
The Independent
21-05-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Inside the Roman gym where the future pope kept a high heart rate and a low profile
The Omega gym in Rome has long been frequented by residents of the up-market Prati district, as well as priests, nuns and monsignors from the nearby Vatican City. And also, to the delight of gym staff, the man who would become pope. Robert Prevost came to the Vatican from Peru in 2023 to serve as the powerful head of the office that vets bishop nominations from around the world. Cardinal Prevost broke a sweat at Omega for two years until, earlier this month, he was elected Pope Leo XIV. 'When the name of the pope was announced, my phone rings and my son tells me, ' Dad, it's Robert! Robert, our member!'' Francesco Tamburlani, the owner of the gym, said in an interview. 'I heard the gym staff behind him cheering. ... This moved us, filled us with joy.' A typical workout for someone of Prevost's age, 69, was a mere warm-up for the little-known American cardinal, according to Valerio Masella, his personal trainer. Although it is hard to define an age group for personalized programs, Prevost's plan was more befitting of men aged 50-55. Masella would train him two or three times a week in sessions lasting up to an hour. So, how much does the pope bench? Masella can't speak to his papal power, since Prevost was focused on posture and cardiovascular capacity. He ran on his favorite treadmill that faces a mural featuring famous local landmarks, among them St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. 'We would start off slow and then go pretty strong, I must say. Especially a lot of resistance on the exercise bike, a very strong climb,' Masella said. Throughout their two-year training, Masella never knew Prevost was a cardinal, nor did he hear him utter a discouraging word. 'I don't think I've ever heard him make a comment about anything that wasn't positive. He was always positive about everything -- the weather, the city, the people, also for me, he said he liked the gym.' A Vatican spokesperson didn't reply when asked for comment. A sporting pope isn't new. Pope John Paul II, who was elected at the age of 58, was an avid skier and mountain trekker. Chicago-born Prevost's game is tennis. On May 15, he met top-ranked player Jannik Sinner, who gave him a racket and offered to play during an off day at the Italian Open. Leo had said earlier in the week that he would be up for a charity match when it was suggested by a journalist. After Prevost took over the Vatican's Dicastery for Bishops in 2023, he said in an interview with the Augustinian Order that his new job had left him little free time to practice his game. While the Mediterranean climate makes tennis possible year-round, the papacy will likely leave him even fewer chances to step onto a court. Tamburlani, the Omega owner, says the Holy Father is welcome back any time he wants to squeeze in a workout. After all, his membership's still active. 'This would make us so happy,' he said. 'We would organize our gym to guarantee his safety and his privacy. We would just need a sign.'
