The mental and physical aptitude of presidents and presidential candidates is a never-ending source of fascination for the public. (Remember the brouhaha over Trump’s medical exam?)
Whether you’re campaigning as a candidate or actually leading the free world, it’s all pretty grueling stuff. So what are the 2020 Democratic candidates doing to keep themselves in fighting shape?
We went down the internet rabbit hole to gather what recon we could on some of them, but if anyone can dig up what Amy Klobuchar does to break a sweat, we’re all ears (although one would think comb-stabbing a salad does torch some cals).
Joe Biden
Who can forget the classic Obama-Biden workout video supporting Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign? Biden says he works out every morning (he’s the proud owner of a Peloton bike), and he’s been known to lift weights. He also (unofficially) challenged Trump to a push-up contest earlier this year.
Bill de Blasio
The mayor of New York City works out at the Park Slope YMCA in Brooklyn most mornings, where he rides the stationary bike and lifts weights (but apparently doesn’t always wipe down the machines after he uses them).
.@CoryBooker’s debate prep includes push ups and bicep curls “to keep him motivated” a campaign aide said. pic.twitter.com/OMRryFxypS
— Leigh Ann Caldwell (@LACaldwellDC) June 25, 2019
Cory Booker
The senator has lost weight on his much-talked-about vegan diet, but he’s also dabbled in SoulCycle and weight lifting.
Pete Buttigieg
The South Bend, Indiana mayor is a runner who completed a half-marathon in an hour and 42 minutes when stationed in Afghanistan.
You can find a gym anywhere if you look hard enough. 2 levels underground in Vegas airport – a quick workout before I speak to the great AFSCME members. pic.twitter.com/2UYRQBbvDp
— John Delaney (@JohnDelaney) August 3, 2019
John Delaney
The former congressman from Maryland likes to swim and lift weights and is committed to getting in a workout anywhere—even a Las Vegas airport.
Tulsi Gabbard
The Hawaiian congresswoman has been known to wake up early for yoga and pre-debate bootcamps with her team, is a member of a bipartisan workout group on the Hill, and surfs when she’s home in Hawaii.
Kirsten Gillibrand
The New York senator likes to run, play squash, lift weights (as documented earlier this year on Twitter), and spin—she took a class at H Street cycling studio Election Cycle last year.
Enjoying a Sunday morning workout with my niece and husband. pic.twitter.com/DV8mriXesU
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 19, 2018
Kamala Harris
The California senator says she works out every day. She’s a fan of the elliptical machine, swimming, and SoulCycle (and even sometimes takes the uber intense, hour-long Soul Survivor classes).
Jay Inslee
The Washington governor is an avid cyclist who has been known to go on 100-mile bike rides, as well as an outdoorsman who grew up hiking and skiing.
Had a great bipartisan workout this morning—as Gen. @StanMcChrystal would say, we're a team of teams! pic.twitter.com/VfoCJErGhC
— Seth Moulton (@sethmoulton) June 5, 2019
Seth Moulton
The Massachusetts congressman and former Marine is a runner and has joined the Solidcore outings that the senator Kyrsten Sinema has organized with other lawmakers, as well as the annual morning workout Rep. Markwayne Mullin hosts for Men’s Health Month.
Morning workout
Posted by Beto O'Rourke on Monday, August 21, 2017
Beto O’Rourke
The former Texas congressman has been known to go on (and write about) runs through DC, and has broadcasted his morning circuit workout via Facebook Live.
Mindfulness, yoga, and other wellness practices are helping our veterans every day. Congress must do more to ensure they have the tools and resources needed to stay strong and heal. pic.twitter.com/543Dji6l9X
— Congressman Tim Ryan (@RepTimRyan) March 7, 2019
Tim Ryan
The Ohio congressman is a yoga devotee and practices mindfulness and meditation.
Bernie Sanders
The Senator apparently…chops wood? (Probably a good workout, though.)
Tom Steyer
The San Francisco billionaire has said he exercises two hours a day and has been known to hike.
Elizabeth Warren
The Senator is a walker (often with her golden retriever Bailey), and attempts to clock six miles a day on her Fitbit.
Marianne Williamson
While the self-help guru attended a Daybreaker gathering in New York earlier this year (the event is part-sober rave, part-dance workout), she sadly was only there to campaign, not partake in said raving. But Williamson is a devoted yoga and meditation acolyte.
Daniella Byck and Elliot Williams contributed reporting to this piece.
Mimi Montgomery joined Washingtonian in 2018. She’s written for The Washington Post, Garden & Gun, Outside Magazine, Washington City Paper, DCist, and PoPVille. Originally from North Carolina, she now lives in Del Ray.
