Pope Leo XIV, the 267th successor of Saint Peter, has surprised the world not only with his election but also with his commitment to physical fitness. Before ascending to the papacy, Cardinal Robert Prevost, as he was then known, maintained a rigorous workout routine at a local gym near the Vatican. Now, his former personal trainer, Valerio Masella, is revealing the secrets behind the Pontiff’s impressive physique and dedication to health.
The Modest Gym-Goer: Cardinal “Robert”
Valerio Masella, a 26-year-old personal trainer at Omega Fitness Club in Rome, had no idea he was training a future Pope. To him, Cardinal Prevost was simply “Robert,” a polite and reserved client who consistently showed up for his sessions. “I thought he was a professor or an academic,” Masella recalls. “He came in informal clothes and never mentioned his ecclesiastical function.”
According to Masella, Cardinal Prevost was always kind, never nervous or irritated, and maintained a positive attitude. This humility and dedication to his routine offer a touching glimpse into the private life of a man now leading 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
The Workout Regime: Consistency and Balance
Pope Leo XIV’s fitness regime focused on maintaining a balanced body composition, relieving physical stress, and improving cardiovascular health. Masella tailored the workouts to address potential strain, common in desk-bound jobs, emphasizing posture and overall well-being.
Here’s a breakdown of Pope Leo XIV’s workout routine:
Aerobic Warm-up
- Exercise Bike: 10-minute warm-up to increase heart rate and prepare the body for more intense exercise.
- Treadmill: A brisk 10-minute walk on the treadmill with an incline to further elevate the heart rate and engage leg muscles. His favorite treadmill faced a mural featuring famous local landmarks, including St. Peter’s Basilica.
Strength Training
- Chest Press Machine: 3-4 sets of 20 repetitions with 15kg on each arm.
- Low-Pull Machine: A favorite exercise, consisting of 4 sets of 10 repetitions with 25kg on each arm.
- Posture Exercises: Specific exercises aimed at improving posture, crucial for someone spending long hours reading and writing.
Masella noted that the Pope had an impressive balance of muscle, bone, and fat mass, which he attributed to a lifetime of playing sports.
A Sporting Pope: Tennis and Physical Activity
Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to fitness extends beyond the gym. He is also an avid tennis player, a sport he says helps develop patience. Earlier this week, he met with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who gifted him a new racket and offered to play a match. There’s even a tennis court inside Vatican City, hinting at the Pope’s intention to continue playing.
Pope Leo had said earlier in the week that he would be up for a charity match when it was suggested by a journalist.
Fitness Trends in the Vatican: A Holistic Approach
Pope Leo XIV’s dedication to fitness aligns with broader trends emphasizing a holistic approach to health. The Catholic Church recognizes the importance of sports and physical activity for the integral growth of the human person.
Mind and Body
Mindfulness is becoming an integral part of fitness, with activities like yoga, meditation, and breathwork gaining popularity. These practices help reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
Functional Fitness
Functional workouts focus on movements that improve daily activities and reduce the risk of injuries. These workouts emphasize core strength, flexibility, and balance.
Hybrid Fitness Programs
Hybrid programs blend in-person and virtual workouts, offering unmatched flexibility. This approach allows individuals to balance gym sessions with at-home exercises, fitting fitness into their busy schedules.
A Message of Health and Humility
Pope Leo XIV’s fitness routine sends a powerful message of health and humility. Despite his demanding role, he prioritizes physical well-being and maintains a simple, disciplined lifestyle.
“He’s a shining light that allows us all to say that, if he can do it, we can all manage to take care of ourselves and exercise,” Masella said. “In the modern life we lead, always in a hurry, too busy for our own good, he invites us to be aware of our bodies and begin to take control of them, guiding them toward an excellent experience that combines spirituality and sports training.”
Pope Leo XIV’s example encourages everyone to embrace a healthy lifestyle, finding time for physical activity and prioritizing overall well-being.
