Rod Stewart jokes that keeping up with his busy schedule at 80 requires “lots of women, drugs, and wine.” But the legendary singer has mostly replaced his rock ’n’ roll lifestyle with healthier habits.
In an interview with AARP, Stewart shared how he maintains his fitness as he enters his ninth decade. “Lots of women, drugs, and wine. No, I keep myself very fit,” he said. He explained that he played soccer all his life but has cut back after a knee replacement. “I’ve always had a trainer — the same guy for 38 years,” he added.
Stewart, who turned 80 in January, has access to an indoor pool, a large gym, and a golf course at his home. One of his unique workouts involves underwater training. “My trainer throws a brick into the pool, and I dive in, push the brick to the end, and then come up,” Stewart said.
He also recalled advice from Frank Sinatra, who told him that great singers need powerful lungs. Sinatra recommended doing underwater swimming while holding your breath to strengthen them.
Besides swimming, Stewart follows another unusual routine. He runs 100-meter sprints on his private track, inspired by sprinter Usain Bolt. “I got it down to 19 seconds by learning how to push off,” Stewart said. “I’m going to try and do 17 seconds, which I think is a world record for an 80-year-old.”
In 2023, Stewart told People magazine that his underwater workout was originally designed for the British Special Air Service (SAS). “You have a big rubber brick, and you swim the length of the pool while pushing it along the bottom,” he said. “It’s wonderful—well, sometimes it’s not because I don’t want to do it, but I’d say it’s fun.”
Stewart said he works out at least four days a week between shows. His routine can include running, swimming, or playing soccer.
He also addressed criticism about his concert breaks. “Critics say, ‘Rod was great, but he had to take a rest.’ That drives me mad!” he said. Stewart changes costumes during concerts mainly to show off and because he sweats a lot, not to rest.
He pointed out that Taylor Swift takes many breaks during her shows, but no one criticizes her because she is young.
To prepare for performances, Stewart focuses on voice rest. “If your voice feels husky, don’t talk for eight hours. The response is amazing,” he said. He drinks plenty of water and avoids noisy restaurants on tour. Before shows, he arrives two hours early for a massage from his trainer. Then, he does vocal warm-ups for half an hour and rides a stationary bike to warm his legs.
He admitted, “I do like to have a drink before I go on. One rum and Coke. Can’t remember the last time I got drunk. And the drugs are long gone.”
Recently, Stewart had to cancel several concerts due to the flu. On social media, he apologized to fans, saying he was “devastated” by the cancellations. He postponed six shows and two performances at his Las Vegas residency to rest and recover.
Last year, Stewart announced he would scale back his touring. “This will be the end of large-scale world tours for me, but I have no desire to retire,” he said. “I love what I do, and I do what I love.”
He also joked about his fitness: “I’m fit, have a full head of hair, and can run 100 meters in 18 seconds at the jolly old age of 79.”
Stewart’s Las Vegas residency will continue until early October. Last month, he attended the American Music Awards, where he received a Lifetime Achievement Award. He said he was “honored” to accept the prize.
This year, Stewart celebrated his 80th birthday in style, continuing to show his dedication to health and music.
