Fitness doesn't always mean gruelling gym schedules; sometimes, it's just a way of living. For Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, staying active isn't something done 'when time permits'—it is woven directly into his daily routine.
In September 2022, Rahul Gandhi began the Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari to Srinagar, covering over 4,000 kms. Later in 2024, Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra was conducted by him from Manipur to Mumbai, covering over 6,000 kms on the road. Many more regional and issue-based yatras were also conducted by him. One thing remains common in this, and that is fitness.
From martial arts and swimming to yoga, the Leader of the Opposition's routine includes a variety of physical activities.
However, he said that the key is to stay consistent and allow the benefits to build over time. He added that exercise is only one piece of the puzzle—it cannot compensate for unhealthy eating habits or excessive drinking without overall lifestyle balance.
Rahul Gandhi's fitness routine
The biggest part of staying fit for the Congress leader is not sticking to one particular form of exercise. "The thing about fitness that's important is not really the routine you follow. It's being persistent, doing it continuously, and allowing it to compound," he said.
He said that he usually combines several physical activities. "Generally, I do a little bit of martial arts, which I like. I do a little bit of swimming and running. Now these days I've started, uh, yoga, which is quite interesting.”
Gandhi also added that he considers exercise as part of his work life and deliberately sets aside an hour for physical training.
"It is my work life to do one hour of building strength, building aerobic capacity, building flexibility,” he said.
He added that the timing does not matter as much as completing the activity. If necessary, he is prepared to work out late at night rather than skip it altogether. “If I have to do it at eleven at night, I'll do it at eleven at night.”
Diet also matters
Regular exercise cannot compensate for consistently unhealthy habits. "If you are eating badly or you're drinking a lot of alcohol or, you know, you're snacking all the time, then forget all this fitness stuff," he said.
Exercise, diet, and other lifestyle choices, taken together, make fitness work best. 'Don't bother with it because it doesn't work,' he said. 'It only works if you take it as a composite thing.
Rahul Gandhi's fitness regime ultimately centres on consistency and balance.
