When you think of Bruce Springsteen, you can’t help but imagine him on stage, guitar in hand, with the same energy that has characterised him throughout his decades-long career. At 74 years old, he remains a reference not only in music, but also in how to approach life with passion and resilience. At 74, he is still a reference not only in music, but also in how to face life with passion and resilience. What is his secret? This year 2025, we can learn some lessons from his way of life to take care of our health, stay active and nurture our passion for life.
The key to his fitness: discipline and balance
Springsteen is no stranger to hard work. From a young age, his work ethic has been unwavering, and that includes taking care of his body. While not a fan of the gym, he has maintained a consistent routine of basic exercises such as running and strength training. This moderate but consistent approach has allowed him to maintain his stamina during long tours and multi-hour performances.
In addition, Springsteen watches his diet. In several interviews, he has commented that he avoids excesses and follows a balanced diet, with a preference for natural and fresh foods, as well as practising intermittent fasting. This commitment to a healthy lifestyle is a reminder that the key to staying fit is not extreme fads, but consistency and balance.
Recommendations for improved health and metabolic flexibility
Inspired by Springsteen’s dedication, here are some science-backed strategies to optimise your health and well-being:
- Intermittent fasting or calorie restriction over time: Practicing fasting windows or time-limited eating can improve metabolic flexibility and reduce inflammation (light, early dinner to leave at least 12 hours between dinner and breakfast).
- Quality sleep: Sleeping at least 7-8 hours a night is crucial for muscle recovery, brain health and a good immune system (while we sleep our body makes T-lymphocytes and cortisol is regulated).
- Breathe and think positive: Stress and negative thoughts can weaken your immune system. Ending the day with a positive thought reduces the cortisol load and improves your rest. Spend 5 minutes before bedtime taking deep breaths and thinking about something you are grateful for.
- Strength training and more movement: Incorporating exercises such as weight lifting, calisthenics or resistance exercises help maintain muscle mass and strengthen bones. In addition, you can incorporate mini-routines such as taking the stairs instead of the lift, taking a walk after meals.
- Controlled exposure to sun and cold: Spending a few minutes a day in sunlight can help maintain optimal levels of vitamin D, crucial for bone and immune health. Walking in nature and even feeling the cold on your skin strengthen your immune system and fill you with energy.
- Balanced diet:
- Prioritise foods low in simple carbohydrates and rich in nutrients.
- Include lean meats, fish and seafood, eggs, pulses, greens and vegetables.
- Opt for low-glycaemic fruits such as berries, apples and pears.
These practices not only improve physical health, but also promote metabolic health and increase energy throughout the day.
Passion for music: the driving force behind his vitality
What motivates Bruce Springsteen to keep touring the world with gruelling tours? The answer lies in his unwavering passion for music and his connection with his audiences. For Springsteen, the stage is more than a workplace; it’s his spiritual home. Music not only nourishes him creatively, it also gives him a purpose, a reason to keep going.
Art and creativity can be powerful fuel for our daily lives. Finding something we are passionate about, whether it’s a hobby, a project or an activity, energises us and keeps us focused, no matter what our age.
His struggle with depression and schizophrenia
Behind his seemingly endless energy, Springsteen has also faced internal battles. He has spoken openly about his struggles with depression and schizophrenia, conditions that also affected his father. These mental health issues have been a constant challenge in his life, but they have also been a source of inspiration for his music.
For Springsteen, therapy and the support of his family have been crucial. Recognising the importance of seeking professional help is a reminder that mental health is as crucial as physical health. This New Year, we can commit to taking care of our emotional wellbeing, talking openly about our struggles and seeking the support we need.
New Year’s resolutions: health, nutrition and passion
Bruce Springsteen’s example inspires us to reflect on our own habits and resolutions for the new year. What can we learn from him?
- Take care of the body: Incorporate regular physical activities that we enjoy, such as walking, swimming or dancing, weight lifting, calisthenics, yoga, pilates.
- Eat a balanced diet: Prioritise natural foods, avoid excesses and do periods of natural fasting to reset your body.
- Feed our passion: Devote time to activities that make us happy, that make us ‘recharge our batteries’.
- Take care of your mental health: Practice meditation, maintain healthy social connections and seek help when needed. Managing stress, keeping cortisol levels stable is essential for quality sleep, the backbone of our health.
- Adopt habits for metabolic flexibility: Integrate intermittent fasting, a diet low in simple carbohydrates and controlled sun exposure to optimise our well-being.
The legacy of ‘The Boss
At 74, Bruce Springsteen is a living example of how passion, discipline and self-care can help us stay strong and resilient. This New Year, let’s take his story as inspiration to embrace life with energy and determination.
Is anyone still wondering why Bruce Springsteen is The Boss?!