Busy individuals often complain about not finding the time to exercise. However, staying active doesn’t always have to be complicated. Pope Leo XIV’s simple 20-minute workout is proof that sometimes less is more when it comes to fitness.

A YouTube video posted by Rome Reports shared 70-year-old Pope Leo XIV’s simple 20-minute workout circuit. His routine is simple: 3 sets of 15 repetitions, a short dumbbell circuit, and some cardio.

He also engages in treadmill walking or running, along with mobility and posture work for joint health and movement quality.

As per the same Rome Reports YouTube video, long before he became the Pope, Robert Francis Prevost enjoyed daily exercise and an active lifestyle. He would work out at the gym around three times a week, but was never looking for any miraculous results. His goal was simply to stay active and healthy.

He also enjoyed swimming and playing tennis, admitting to finding tennis a great form of stress relief rather than exercise.

At 70, Pope Leo XIV being able to fit in daily workouts in his busy schedule is awe-inspiring. Besides following a healthy lifestyle, he also practices sustainable habits, focusing on moderation and consistency rather than fitness fads.

Pope Leo XIV's trainer gives insight into his workout

Long before leading the Roman Catholic Church, Robert Francis Prevost was a regular at his local gym, Omega Fitness Club. According to his trainer, Valerio Masella, he never skipped an opportunity to work out, even if it was just a 20- or 30-minute session.

As mentioned above, his typical workout routine consisted of cardio, using isotonic machines (elliptical machine, treadmill, and stationary bike), and weight training. The workouts were designed to help him maintain muscle tone, improve posture, and improve his cardiovascular fitness.

As per Rome Reports, Masella revealed that the Pope's workouts were tailor-made according to his specific requirements. As such, he did not stick to a specific daily workout routine but preferred to alternate between isotonic machines and cardio machine drills.

It is said that Prevost was a regular at the gym until the end of March 2025. However, soon after Pope Francis' passing and the conclave in April and May, his schedule changed dramatically.

Before long, Prevost emerged as Pope Leo XIV. Funnily, Masella reveals that he was initially confused when he saw this, introspecting how the Pope looked like one of his former clients.

"So I saw the photo—I was here working; everyone went out to St. Peter’s Square to see the Pope. I saw the picture and thought, “What a coincidence- he looks exactly like someone I train," he said.

And when the realization hit him, he said:

“D***, then I know him.” And then I saw that the name matched too."

Now Pope Leo XIV lives in the Apostolic Palace, where one of the rooms has been turned into a small gym. 

Pope Leo XIV proves that simple workouts and consistent behaviors are the key to staying active and healthy well into your 70s.

Are you able to fit purposeful workouts into your busy schedule?

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Written by

Avantika Das

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi