Bruce Springsteen, "The Boss," has maintained remarkable relevance and an impressive physique throughout his career, defying typical rock star trajectories. At 75, his enduring energy and toned build are a testament to a consistent and disciplined lifestyle. From releasing new music to captivating audiences with his legendary three-hour concerts alongside the E Street Band, Springsteen remains a vital force in the cultural landscape. This article explores the diet and exercise habits that have contributed to his longevity and enduring vitality.
The Importance of Diet: "Diet is 90 Percent of the Game"
Springsteen emphasizes the paramount importance of diet in maintaining his health and fitness. In a conversation with Tim McGraw, he stated, "The biggest thing is diet, diet, diet. I don't eat too much, and I don't eat bad food, except for every once in a while when I want to have some fun for myself." He believes that diet constitutes "90 percent of the game" when it comes to staying in shape.
More recently, Springsteen revealed to The Times of London that he adheres to a form of the OMAD (one meal a day) diet. "I'll have a bit of fruit in the morning and then I'll have dinner. That has kept me lean and mean," he explained. This approach involves consuming the majority of his daily calories in a single meal, a strategy also reportedly used by others, including Chris Martin of Coldplay.
Chris Martin shared an anecdote about learning from Springsteen's example. After having lunch with Springsteen, Martin noted the rocker's impressive physique. Springsteen's wife, Patti Scialfa, told Martin that Springsteen was eating only one meal a day to maintain his trim figure, prompting Martin to adopt a similar approach.
While Springsteen's current diet focuses on moderation and controlled portions, his eating habits weren't always so disciplined. In Pete Ames Carlin's 2012 biography, ex-girlfriend Diane Lozito recounted how Springsteen "had a hard time sleeping at night, so I'd sit up watching TV with him while he wolfed down all this junk food: sodas, cakes, all this horrible stuff." During his time living with Steven Van Zandt in Asbury Park in the early ’70s, Springsteen also ate a lot of chicken.
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However, his eating habits underwent a transformation in the late ’70s when he hired Obie Dziedzic as his Gal Friday. Dziedzic introduced more vegetables and salads into his diet, laying a foundation for his later fitness endeavors. A leaked copy of his rider from the 2002 Rising tour further illustrates his commitment to healthy eating, revealing a backstage spread of whey powder, soy milk, protein shakes, bananas, strawberries, and blueberries.
Despite his disciplined approach, Springsteen allows himself occasional indulgences. He has expressed his fondness for Jersey Shore staples like hot dogs from the WindMill and Max's Bar & Grill, pizza from Federici's Restaurant, and ice cream from Jersey Freeze. "I don't eat too much, and I don't eat bad food, except for every once in a while when I want to have some fun for myself," he admitted.
Exercise and Physical Activity: Staying Toned and Engaged
While diet plays a crucial role, Springsteen also incorporates exercise into his routine. Although he was once known for a more intense workout regimen, these days, he prefers a more moderate approach. "I don't do that much right now," he told Tim McGraw. "I lift a little weight to stay toned, I may get on the treadmill. I walk, I don't run anymore."
In his younger days, Springsteen was called the "Rambo of rock" due to his bulked-up physique. His weightlifting regimen in the '80s, which began after he started running, contributed to his physical transformation. More recently, Anthony Almonte, Springsteen's percussionist and backup vocalist, noted that Springsteen would be in the gym the morning after a concert, highlighting his dedication to fitness even after demanding performances.
Springsteen also emphasizes the importance of staying active and engaged in his work. "Exercise is great. But being fired up about your job is also important to staying engaged and happy," he said. He maintains a consistent approach to his music, mirroring his commitment to health. He finds places and times to exercise even when traveling or when his schedule is busy, proving that one doesn't need a gym to maintain fitness.
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Consistency and Moderation: The Keys to Longevity
Springsteen's fitness journey underscores the significance of consistency and moderation. He has maintained a relatively simple fitness program for decades, alternating between running and strength training. He also emphasizes the importance of finding a positive vision and pursuing it, both in his personal life and career.
"Stay consistent. It's easier to maintain fitness than to rebuild it," he advises. This philosophy applies not only to exercise but also to his musical pursuits. Springsteen works at his music with the same dedication he applies to his health.
The Impact of Health on Performance
Springsteen's commitment to health and fitness directly impacts his ability to deliver high-energy performances. His epic concerts, often lasting three hours or more, require stamina and physical endurance. By prioritizing diet and exercise, he ensures that he can meet the demands of his performances and continue to connect with his fans on a long-term basis.
In a new interview with The Times, Springsteen said that, these days, the success behind performing so many lengthy live shows is “taking time off between shows”, which he described as “the biggest change” with age. “If we do that we can play at our top form, which is what I like to do at this point,” he said. “I don’t want to go out there tired, because we put the pedal to the metal for three hours straight. It’s fun to overwhelm the audience.”
Overcoming Challenges: Patti Scialfa's Health Journey
Springsteen's journey is also intertwined with the health challenges faced by his wife, Patti Scialfa. Scialfa recently disclosed her diagnosis of multiple myeloma, a form of bone marrow cancer. Springsteen has been supportive of Scialfa throughout her treatment, acknowledging the impact of her illness on her ability to perform.
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"It does fatigue her, very intensely, and that's a problem," Springsteen said. "But she's been great. We've worked out that she can come out and sing a few songs, and it's important that the fans know what's going on because they haven't seen her in five years."