Cristiano Ronaldo is well-known for his exceptional athleticism and dedication to fitness. Born on the island of Madeira, Portugal, Ronaldo has become a global football superstar and legend. His game skills are mostly what he’s known for but his fitness is something that inspires everyone. His rigorous workout routine plays a vital role in maintaining his peak physical condition. Here’s all that Ronaldo does to stay lean and sculpted:
Works out for 4 hours
Ronaldo trains for up to four hours daily, spread across five days a week. His workouts include high-intensity sprints, weightlifting, cardio, pilates, and swimming. He writes down his exercise plans to avoid interruptions and emphasizes the importance of mental training alongside physical exercise.
Does strength training
Strength training forms a crucial part of Ronaldo’s regimen, focusing on bodyweight, resistance exercises, and weightlifting. His routine includes compound movements like bench presses, deadlifts, and squats, which enhance muscle growth and strength.
Ronaldo consumes a balanced diet
Ronaldo’s diet focuses on balance and discipline, featuring high-protein, low-fat foods. He consumes a variety of foods, including eggs, steak, bread, fish, and a dish called Bacalhau à Brás. He also enjoys sweet treats like chocolate cake occasionally.
Eats small meals
To sustain his energy levels, Ronaldo eats six meals a day, spaced 2-4 hours apart. A personal nutritionist has been aiding him since his Real Madrid days. Additionally, he drinks up to six liters of water daily to stay hydrated and maintain joint health. He avoids sugary drinks, advocating for water over soft drinks.
Does Cryotherapy
For recovery, Ronaldo invested €45,000 in a cryotherapy chamber at home. He uses it twice weekly to help muscles recover using temperatures around -160 degrees °C. He learned about this technology at his local gym and is not the first footballer to use it.
Takes small naps
Ronaldo follows a polyphasic sleep pattern, taking five 90-minute naps instead of one long sleep. Nick Littlehales, a sleep advisor, recommended this routine. Ronaldo sleeps in the fetal position to avoid back issues and improve posture.
Never misses a cardio day
His workout also places a strong emphasis on cardio training, including high-intensity interval training, running, sprinting exercises, and cycling. This training helps him maintain optimal fitness and endurance.
Maintains a young physique
At his age, Ronaldo has the body of an athlete 14 years younger, characterized by seven percent body fat and lean muscle. His muscle mass comprises 50 percent of his body weight, demonstrating his physical strength and endurance.
No alcohol rule
Ronaldo abstains from alcohol due to personal reasons related to his father’s struggles with alcoholism. His father passed away at 52 due to alcohol-related issues, and Ronaldo’s heart condition at 15 also influenced his decision to avoid alcohol.
