Donald Trump’s approach to fitness often sparks curiosity, particularly his reliance on golf as his primary form of exercise. While traditional fitness regimens often involve structured gym workouts, Trump has frequently cited his golf routine as a key component of his physical activity. This article delves into Trump’s golf habits, the health benefits associated with the sport, and whether golf alone can truly stand in for a comprehensive gym routine.
Donald Trump’s Golf Exercise Routine
Donald Trump is an avid golfer, frequently playing at his own resorts. During his presidency, he reportedly logged over 250 rounds in his first four years and has continued the practice since. He considers golf his “primary form of exercise”. While he may use a golf cart, which reduces some of the physical exertion, the act of swinging a golf club is a significant contributor to calorie burning and overall physical activity.
Reports suggest that Trump often prefers fast food and carbonated beverages, and historically has not followed a structured exercise regimen or dietary plan like some predecessors. However, some reports indicate that after testing positive for COVID-19 in 2020, Trump made some dietary changes, shifting from a fast-food-heavy diet to include more salads and soups, and reportedly lost 30 pounds. His current White House doctor stated in April 2025 that Trump “exhibits excellent cognitive and physical health” and pointed to his “frequent victories in golf events” as signs of good health. Trump himself has stated he is in “very good health” and recently won two club championships.
Health Benefits of Golf as Exercise
Golf, when played by walking the course, offers notable health benefits. Walking an 18-hole course can cover over 5 miles, equating to 8,000 to 12,000 steps, which significantly benefits the cardiovascular system. If one walks 18 holes three to five times a week, it can provide an optimal amount of endurance exercise for the heart. Carrying or pulling clubs further increases calorie expenditure.
Beyond cardiovascular health, golf contributes to:
- Muscle Strength and Endurance: The golf swing is a full-body movement that engages various muscle groups in the arms, shoulders, back, and core, conditioning and toning them.
- Flexibility and Balance: The rotational movements in a golf swing improve flexibility, especially in the lower back, and enhance balance and coordination.
- Weight Management: While not as intense as some other sports, golf can burn between 200 to 500 calories per hour, aiding in calorie expenditure and weight management over time. Playing 18 holes can burn as many as 1,000 calories depending on factors like player, course topography, and walking versus riding a cart.
- Reduced Risk of Injury: A robust golf workout that employs and conditions muscle groups can lead to a significantly reduced risk of injury.
- Longevity: A 2009 Swedish study found that golfers were 40 percent less likely to die early than non-golfers, equivalent to a five-year extension of life.
Golf vs. Traditional Gym Workouts: A Comparison
While golf offers a range of physical benefits, the question remains whether it can fully replace traditional gym workouts. Experts suggest that while all golf counts as physical activity and is beneficial, it generally falls into the category of low-intensity to moderate physical activity.
Limitations of Golf as Sole Exercise:
- Intensity and Strength Training: Golf typically does not meet the standard for high-intensity exercise or for strength training that repeatedly overloads muscles. While the swing builds some muscle, it may not provide the comprehensive strength development offered by gym exercises like weightlifting.
- Intermittent Activity: Golf is more intermittent than continuous. From a physiological perspective, continuous exercise burns calories differently than intermittent activity, which golf primarily is. This makes it less effective for weight loss compared to sustained cardio.
- Comprehensive Fitness: Traditional gym workouts, often involving a variety of equipment and exercises, target specific muscle groups, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance endurance in a more structured and intense manner. They offer a broader range of exercises that benefit overall health and fitness.
Complementing Golf with Gym Workouts:
Many professional and amateur golfers recognize the importance of combining golf with gym workouts. Strength training is considered a non-negotiable tool for generating power, improving mobility, and staying injury-free in golf. Golf-specific fitness training often includes rotational exercises, squats for lower body strength, and core exercises to protect the lower back and enhance swing power.
For optimal fitness, it is recommended that golfers still incorporate higher-intensity activities and two days per week of strength training into their routine. The goal isn’t to replace golf with gym workouts, but to use gym training to enhance physical qualities like strength, flexibility, and speed, which directly benefit the golf swing and overall health.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s reliance on golf as his primary form of exercise certainly provides some health benefits, particularly for cardiovascular health, muscle endurance, and flexibility, especially if he walks the course. The physical demands of the golf swing and the extensive walking involved in an 18-hole round contribute significantly to physical activity and calorie expenditure.
However, golf alone, especially when using a cart, does not typically provide the high-intensity aerobic activity or comprehensive strength training that many health experts recommend for optimal fitness. For a well-rounded fitness regimen that addresses all aspects of physical health, supplementing golf with structured gym workouts focusing on strength, higher-intensity cardio, and targeted mobility exercises is generally advisable. While Trump’s golf routine undoubtedly keeps him active, a traditional gym offers a broader spectrum of exercises crucial for overall health and fitness.
