Robert F Kennedy Jr, the newly appointed Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services, is making headlines with his amazing fitness and workout routine. The former presidential candidate, who turned 71 in January 2025, has gained a massive social media following — 4.9 million followers on Instagram and 5.4 million on X — all thanks to his chiselled physique and viral workout videos.
Set to iconic soundtracks like Survivor’s Eye of the Tiger, his workout clips blend intense fitness routines and his unique style, often featuring tight jeans. From complicated callisthenics with bodyweight training influencer Ike Catcher to pull-up challenges, the member of the Kennedy family, embodies his dedication to fitness and a reflection of his keen interest in the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) fitness philosophy.
As such, fans can’t get enough of workout videos of Robert F Kennedy Jr, which showcase his impressive callisthenics skills, pull-ups, and other exercises that put men half his age to shame.
Naturally, many are eager to learn the secrets behind Donald Trump‘s new health secretary’s impressive physique. What’s his diet plan? What’s his fitness routine? And what anti-ageing strategies does he use to stay looking young and fit? In this article, we’ll delve into all that and more.
Breaking down the workout routine of Robert F Kennedy Jr
Robert F Kennedy Jr’s exercise plan
Robert F Kennedy Jr has had a consistent exercise plan for the past 50 years, which combines cardio and strength training to maintain his impressive physique.
His daily routine begins with a morning hike with his dogs, which serves as his cardio session. “I hike every day in the morning… I hike a mile and a half up and a mile and a half down with my dogs, and then I do my meditations,” he explained in a 2023 episode of the Lex Fridman podcast. Following his hike, the Trump supporter heads to the gym for a 35-minute strength training session, four days a week.
His strength training routine is divided into four different days, focusing on:
– Back: Targeting back muscles like latissimus dorsi, trapezius, and rhomboids
– Chest: Working on pectoralis major, anterior deltoids, and triceps
– Legs: Exercising quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves
– Miscellaneous: Incorporating mixed exercises
RFK Jr’s approach to strength training involves reaching failure at 12 reps in his first set and using strip sets (drop sets) in his fourth set. This intense routine, combined with his cardio sessions, has contributed to his inspiring fitness level.
Interestingly, RFK Jr’s workout style has also gained attention for his unconventional choice of gear, including snug jeans, hiking boots, and a black dress belt. While some critics argue that such attire may not be conducive to a good sweat session, Kennedy’s dedication to fitness remains undeniable.
Additionally, RFK Jr’s viral callisthenics videos highlight his ability to perform pushups and pullups with ease, conveying vitality and capacity to his audience.
The simplicity of these exercises makes them relatable and accessible to everyone, allowing Kennedy to connect with his viewers.
RFK Jr’s diet: What does he eat and what does he avoid?
Robert F Kennedy Jr’s diet plays a crucial role in maintaining his jacked-up bod. In the Lex Fridman podcast, the U.S. Health Secretary revealed that he follows an intermittent fasting diet. “I do intermittent fasting, so I have my first meal around noon, and then I try to stop eating around six or seven,” he shared.
This fasting schedule falls under the umbrella of “time-restricted feeding” or “time-restricted eating.” He eats within a six-hour window, from noon to 6 pm (occasionally 7 pm), and fasts for the remaining 18 hours.
While the specifics of RFK Jr’s diet are unclear, he has mentioned taking a multitude of vitamins. He has also expressed his preference for raw, unpasteurised milk, despite potential health risks.
In terms of foods to avoid, RFK Jr in another January 2024 interview with Mark Hyman, a doctor and podcast host, stated that he never eats processed food, using the term to refer to ultra-processed, industrially made foods containing additives and preservatives. He has, however, admitted to previously enjoying processed foods like Hostess Twinkies and drinking “eight or nine Cokes a day”. He has since cut soda from his diet, tracking over 3,057 days (more than eight years) without drinking soda.
His anti-ageing secret
Robert F Kennedy Jr’s fountain of youth revolves around a combination of vitamins and bioidentical testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
As part of his physician-guided hormone replacement therapy, RFK Jr undergoes testosterone replacement. He’s keen to emphasise that he doesn’t take anabolic steroids, instead opting for bioidentical testosterone that mimics his body’s natural production.
While individual results may vary, RFK Jr’s approach, considering his age, to maintaining health and strength appears well-rounded and effective.
(Hero and featured image credit: Instagram/@robertfkennedyjr/Robert F Kennedy Jr.)
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.