Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo turned 40 this year. Recently seen beside US President Donald Trump in the White House, the celebrity athlete was pictured with billionaires like Elon Musk and Donald Trump Jr himself. While Trump hosted Saudi’ crown prince, Ronaldo’s appearance came after he signed a two-year extension with Al Nassr.
Over the past four seasons, Ronaldo has scored 83 goals with 17 assists in 84 starts. As he reaches close to the end of his prime years, fans wonder how he remains a football stalwart at 40. Reportedly, the biggest football player of all time spends nearly $1 million a year to maintain his fitness routine. From getting proper sleep to mitochondria therapy, here’s a sneak peek into his anti-ageing regime.
Cristiano Ronaldo fitness regime: Cryotherapy to mitochondria therapy
Several fitness experts and even CEOs have advocated the importance of sleep. And, not just waking up at the crack of dawn, it is about getting an adequate amount. Ronaldo, or lovingly called CR7 by his fans, doesn’t just follow the 8-hour sleep routine; he splits it into five 90-minute naps a day. While it may not be scientifically backed, it contributes towards his intense recovery routine.
Recovery, an important stage for any athlete after an intense workout, a recovery routine can make or break one’s efforts. Ronaldo reportedly gets muscle massages everyday and has built his own cryotherapy chamber at his home. Advocated by biohacker and longevity expert Bryan Johnson and Pavel Durov, it is one of the biggest trends in the fitness world. CR7 also practices hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which is a medical treatment allowing the receiver to breathe in 100% pure oxygen inside a pressurised chamber. This therapy is used to speed up healing and slow down the process of tissue and muscle damage.
Extremely conscious of one’s routine, the Portuguese footballer also practices red light therapy and regular ice baths for his rigorous recovery routine, adding to the million-dollar expenses every year.
Just a billionaire form of taking health supplements, Ronaldo also actively engages in mitochondria-targeted nutraceuticals. It majorly involves strategies like exercise training that enhance mitochondrial function and biogenesis. Since mitochondria are directly related to cell energy, the therapy depends largely on endurance to aid chemical processes like glucose control and muscle recovery. Often called his ‘real anti-ageing secret’, it also includes generic health protocols like hydration, getting regular blood check-ups, maintaining a protein-rich diet, and including intense movements.
