When Milind Soman recently completed a challenging swim from Europe to Africa at the age of 60, he once again showed why he remains one of India’s most admired fitness icons. While many people associate staying fit with intense gym sessions and expensive supplements, the actor-model built his incredible endurance on a much simpler foundation. consistency, natural movement and good food.Known for films like ‘Bheja Fry’, ‘Bajirao Mastani’ and ‘Chef’, Soman has spent decades championing a lifestyle that prioritizes health over looks. Even today, his health philosophy remains uncomplicated.For Milind Soman, exercise is not about sculpting the perfect body but about maintaining freedom of movement, exploring and challenging oneself. Whether he’s participating in marathons, long-distance cycling or swimming across open water, his focus is always on building strength.In a conversation with TOI, Soman revealed that he never relies on a routine gym setup to stay fit. “I don’t use equipment.” He further explained that despite being considered one of the best artists in the country, his daily exercise routine is surprisingly short.“I make sure I exercise everyday. I consider myself really fit but I only do 10-15 minutes every day.” Instead of spending time lifting weights, Soman believes that regular movement is more important than long exercise sessions. On days when he feels more energetic, he can increase the intensity or do more sets of the exercise outside.
The power to run and: body weight training
A quick look at Soman’s social media accounts reveals his passion for endurance sports. Running remains one of the biggest pillars of her fitness routine, and she regularly shares updates from marathons, trail runs and cycling expeditions.The actor revealed that he usually covers 60 to 70 kilometers per week. For him, exercising outdoors serves a dual purpose. This keeps him physically active while allowing him to stay connected to nature.His strength training routine is equally minimalistic. Instead of relying on sophisticated machines, he sticks to bodyweight exercises that can be done anywhere. Talking about his preferred exercise, Soman said, “Pull-ups, push-ups, planks, these are all I need to stay fit”.Over the years, he has often shared videos of himself doing advanced pull-ups and other bodyweight moves, proving that strength can be built without elaborate equipment.
Milind Soman’s food is rooted in simplicity
Just as his workouts avoid unnecessary complications, Soman’s eating habits are built around simple, home-cooked meals. He often speaks out against relying on protein bars, supplements and processed foods for nutrition.His mornings usually start with water, fruit and nuts, followed by traditional Indian meals during the day. A typical lunch usually includes dal, vegetables, roti or rice, often accompanied by a spoonful of ghee.Explaining his food choices, Soman said, “I stay away, as much as possible, from too refined, processed and packaged food. No supplements or too many vitamins. Water, if necessary, never cold. No soft drinks, alcohol once or twice a year, maybe a glass”. His approach reflects a belief that a healthy diet does not need to be complicated or heavily marketed to be effective.Unlike many fitness influencers who promote morning wake-up routines, Soman follows a schedule that suits her natural rhythm. He openly admits that he is not a man who rises before the sun rises. “I wake up around 8:30 and then stay in bed for the next hour or so,” he said in an interview with Moneycontrol.At the end of the day, he usually goes out for a run around 10 am. Just as important, he avoided staying up late and placed great emphasis on getting enough rest.
For Milind Soman, consistency is the real secret
What makes Milind Soman’s fitness journey unique is not a miracle workout or a secret diet plan. Instead, it is his unwavering commitment to simple habits that are repeated every day. Through regular exercise, mindful eating, outdoor activities and proper recovery, she has built a lifestyle that supports long-term health rather than short-term outcomes.At 60, Soman continues to challenge conventional ideas about aging. Her example serves as a reminder that fitness is not defined by age, expensive memberships or complicated routines. More often than not, it comes down to discipline, balance and respect for the body’s natural needs.