Trying the fitness routine of a 19th-century pontiff might sound like a history lesson gone wrong, but Pope Leo XIII was no ordinary man. Elected at the age of 68 and reigning until his death at 93, he defied expectations of a short papacy with a combination of intellectual vigor and surprising physical resilience. Could his daily habits hold the key to a long and active life? I decided to find out, and let’s just say, it was a humbling experience.
Who Was Pope Leo XIII?
Before diving into the workout, it’s essential to understand the man behind the myth. Born Vincenzo Gioacchino Raffaele Luigi Pecci in 1810, Pope Leo XIII led the Catholic Church from 1878 to 1903 . His papacy, one of the longest in history, was marked by a commitment to social justice, intellectual pursuits, and an openness to the modern world .
- Early Life and Career: Born into a noble family, Pecci received a Jesuit education and later studied at the Academy of Noble Ecclesiastics in Rome . He entered the diplomatic service of the Papal States and served as an administrator in various regions before becoming the Bishop of Perugia in 1846 .
- A Pontiff of Firsts: Leo XIII was a forward-thinking pope who embraced progress. He re-established the Vatican Observatory, promoted the study of Thomas Aquinas, and even allowed researchers access to the Vatican’s Secret Archives . He was also the first pope to be filmed and have his voice recorded .
- Social Teachings: Perhaps best known for his encyclical Rerum Novarum (1891), Leo XIII addressed the rights of workers, advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to form trade unions . This earned him the titles “Social Pope” and “Pope of the Workers” .
- Defying Age: Elected at an age when many would retire, Leo XIII led the Church for 25 years and remained active well into his 90s . This longevity was remarkable for the time, with average life expectancy in Italy being around 43 years at the beginning of the 20th century .
The Fitness Habits of a Pope
While detailed accounts of Pope Leo XIII’s daily fitness routine are scarce, historical sources and recent anecdotes paint a picture of an active lifestyle that contributed to his longevity.
- Regular Exercise: Recent reports indicate that Pope Leo XIV (likely confused with Pope Leo XIII in media) worked out regularly at a gym near the Vatican . This included aerobics, warm-up sessions, muscle-strengthening exercises, and posture-specific exercises .
- Walking: Before being elected Pope, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost (now Pope Leo XIV) was known for taking long walks through his neighborhood in Rome .
- Tennis: The current Pope Leo XIV also plays tennis, a sport he credits with developing his virtue of patience . While there is no evidence that Pope Leo XIII played tennis, incorporating regular physical activity was clearly a priority.
- Balanced Lifestyle: Beyond exercise, Pope Leo XIII emphasized a balanced lifestyle. He was known for his intellectual pursuits, his engagement with social issues, and his deep faith .
My Attempt at the “Pope Leo XIII” Workout
Inspired by Pope Leo XIII’s commitment to physical activity and the reported routine of Pope Leo XIV, I designed a workout that combines elements of both. This routine focuses on functional movements, strength, and cardiovascular endurance, with an emphasis on simplicity and consistency.
Warm-up (5 minutes):
- Light cardio, such as walking or marching in place
- Arm circles and shoulder rotations
- Leg swings and hip rotations
- Torso twists
Workout (30 minutes):
- Squats: 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions. Squats are a fundamental exercise that works the legs and glutes, improving overall strength and stability.
- Push-ups: 3 sets to failure. Push-ups target the chest, shoulders, and triceps, building upper body strength. Modify on your knees if needed.
- Dumbbell Rows: 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions per arm. Rows strengthen the back and biceps, promoting good posture and balance.
- Walking Lunges: 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions per leg. Lunges improve leg strength, balance, and coordination.
- Plank: 3 sets, holding for 30-60 seconds. The plank engages the core muscles, improving stability and posture.
- Cardio: 20 minutes of brisk walking or cycling. Aim for a moderate intensity that elevates your heart rate and improves cardiovascular health.
Cool-down (5 minutes):
- Static stretching, holding each stretch for 30 seconds. Focus on major muscle groups, such as hamstrings, quadriceps, chest, and shoulders.
The Grimacing Begins
I approached this workout with a mix of curiosity and confidence. As someone who exercises regularly, I assumed that a routine inspired by a 19th-century pope wouldn’t be too challenging. I was wrong.
- Squats: The first set felt manageable, but by the third, my legs were burning. I focused on maintaining good form and engaging my core.
- Push-ups: I quickly realized that “to failure” meant something different than I had anticipated. My chest and arms were shaking by the end of each set.
- Dumbbell Rows: Maintaining proper form was crucial to avoid back strain. I focused on squeezing my shoulder blades together and engaging my core.
- Walking Lunges: These were surprisingly challenging, testing my balance and coordination. I concentrated on keeping my front knee behind my toes and lowering myself with control.
- Plank: Holding the plank for 60 seconds felt like an eternity. I engaged my core, squeezed my glutes, and tried to maintain a straight line from head to heels.
- Cardio: The brisk walk was a welcome relief after the strength exercises. I focused on maintaining a steady pace and enjoying the fresh air.
Lessons Learned
After completing the “Pope Leo XIII” workout for a week, I came away with a newfound respect for the pontiff’s commitment to physical well-being. Here are some key takeaways:
- Consistency is Key: Pope Leo XIII’s longevity and activity levels suggest that consistency is more important than intensity. Aim for regular physical activity, even if it’s just a short walk or a few bodyweight exercises.
- Focus on Functional Movements: The exercises in this routine target major muscle groups and promote functional movements, improving overall strength, stability, and coordination.
- Listen to Your Body: Adjust the intensity and duration of the workout to suit your fitness level. Don’t be afraid to modify exercises or take breaks when needed.
- Embrace Simplicity: You don’t need fancy equipment or a gym membership to get a good workout. Bodyweight exercises and walking can be highly effective.
- Balance Body and Mind: Pope Leo XIII’s life was a testament to the importance of intellectual, social, and spiritual well-being. Combine physical activity with mental stimulation, social engagement, and a sense of purpose.
More Than Just a Workout
Trying Pope Leo XIII’s fitness routine was a humbling experience that taught me the value of consistency, functional movement, and a balanced lifestyle. While I may have grimaced through some of the exercises, I emerged with a newfound appreciation for the pontiff’s wisdom and a renewed commitment to my own physical and mental well-being. So, if you’re looking for a workout that’s both challenging and inspiring, consider giving the “Pope Leo XIII” routine a try. You might just find yourself praying for mercy – and for the strength to keep going.
