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Donald Trump Fitness: Can His Golf Workouts Replace the Gym? Explore Trump's Golf Exercise Routine and Health Benefits

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. s-golf-exercise-routine-and-health-benefits.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 12:17 GMT by TheHealthSite
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Can Donald Trump’s Golf‑Centred Fitness Routine Replace the Gym?
An in‑depth look at the former president’s workouts, the science behind golf as exercise, and how realistic it is for everyday folks to adopt the same regimen.

1. Trump’s “Golf‑First” Approach to Fitness

The Health Site’s feature on former President Donald Trump opens with the intriguing premise that his pre‑campaign and post‑campaign fitness may be largely powered by golf. The article cites Trump’s own statements and the routines he followed while in office:

• Walking 18‑hole rounds: Trump reportedly played at least one full round of golf a day, sometimes more, which involves about 6–8 miles of walking per round.
• Low‑intensity cardio: The steady 20–30‑minute walk is described as “moderate” aerobic activity, comparable to brisk walking.
• Minimal weight training: Trump’s gym days were rare and “light”, with a focus on core stability and flexibility, not heavy lifting.
• Nutrition focus: The article notes a diet high in protein, low in processed carbs, and a strong emphasis on hydration.

The piece links to a Washington Post interview where Trump mentions, “I play a lot of golf, I walk, I run around the golf course, I’m very active.” It also references a CNN Sports segment that highlighted his “30‑minute golf walk” during the 2016 campaign.

2. Golf as a Legitimate Form of Exercise

While the idea of “playing golf to stay fit” has been floating around the internet for years, recent research suggests that a full round of golf can deliver measurable health benefits.

The Health Site article pulls from these studies to argue that the “walk‑and‑play” nature of golf can be a valuable cardiovascular and weight‑loss tool. It also highlights a link to the “Golf and Your Health” article on the American Heart Association website, which encourages golfers to carry a walking stick, use a metronome to pace themselves, and add short bursts of strength training (e.g., a set of squats or lunges between holes).

3. How Trump’s Routine Compares to a Standard Gym Regimen

The article makes a useful comparison between Trump’s golf‑centric regimen and a typical gym‑based fitness plan:

According to the Health Site article, Trump’s routine yields roughly 7–8 hours of moderate aerobic activity per week, which is close to the CDC’s recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly. However, the article cautions that the lack of resistance training may leave gaps in muscle strength and bone density, especially for aging adults.

4. Potential Health Benefits of Golf‑Based Workouts

1. Cardiovascular health
   • The steady walk provides an aerobic stimulus that can lower LDL cholesterol and improve endothelial function.
2. Weight management
   • A single round of golf can burn 500–800 calories, helping maintain a healthy BMI.
3. Mental health
   • Being outdoors, social interaction, and the strategic nature of the game can reduce stress and improve mood.
4. Joint health
   • Low‑impact walking is easier on hips and knees than running or high‑intensity interval training.

The article cites a 2020 study from the International Journal of Sports Medicine that found golfers had lower rates of depression and anxiety compared to non‑golfers of similar age.

5. Criticisms and Caveats

The Health Site article does not shy away from the limitations of Trump’s regimen:

• Intensity: The majority of his activity is moderate rather than vigorous, which might be insufficient for cardiovascular improvements in very sedentary individuals.
• Resistance: The lack of heavy lifting could lead to sarcopenia as Trump ages.
• Nutrition: While Trump’s diet was protein‑heavy, the article notes occasional indulgences (e.g., high‑sodium foods) that might counteract fitness gains.
• Accessibility: Not everyone has access to an 18‑hole golf course, and the cost can be prohibitive.

An expert quote from Dr. Sarah K. Lee, a sports physiologist at the University of Arizona, appears in the article: “Golf is a fantastic way to stay active, but for optimal health you still need a mix of aerobic, resistance, and flexibility training.”

6. Is a Golf‑Only Regimen Realistic for the Average Person?

The article ends on an optimistic note that many people can emulate aspects of Trump’s routine:

• Walk during lunch breaks or on the office stairs.
• Take a walk in a nearby park that mimics the distance of a golf round (6–7 miles).
• Incorporate light strength work at home (body‑weight squats, push‑ups, dumbbell curls).
• Use the “Golf Walk” as a template for a structured cardio schedule: 3–4 rounds per week, 1–2 rest days.

A link is provided to a fitness app, GolfFit, which tracks distance, calories, and offers virtual golfing workouts. The Health Site article encourages readers to view golf as part of a diversified fitness plan rather than a standalone solution.

7. Takeaway

Donald Trump’s fitness narrative—centered on walking 18 holes, minimal gym work, and disciplined eating—offers an intriguing alternative to the traditional gym model. While the evidence supports many of the cardiovascular and weight‑loss benefits of golf, experts agree that a balanced program combining cardio, strength, and flexibility remains the gold standard for overall health.

For anyone who loves the game or can afford a round a week, incorporating the “golf‑walk” into a broader routine can be both enjoyable and effective. For others, the article reminds us that walking in any form—whether on a golf course, in a park, or on a treadmill—matters most, as long as you keep moving.