Pavel Durov
Pavel Durov, the founder and leader of Telegram, has kept a surprisingly sparse Instagram presence since the start of the year. His two posts, each drawing attention for a different reason, hint at a public figure who blends business success with personal fitness. Durov’s online activity has long been a topic of interest, especially since his headquarters and home are based in Dubai, a detail that colors perceptions of his lifestyle choices.
The first 2023 post features a Russian entrepreneur who has built a life in the UAE and holds French citizenship. Wearing a black T-shirt with arms raised, he captioned the image with a thought about adversity and strength, echoing the idea that hard times forge strong people and easy times produce weaker ones. This sentiment has deep roots in popular culture and has circulated widely as a meme and in various contexts related to ancient Rome and its rulers.
A few weeks later another image cast Durov in a different light: a Roman gladiator in a desert landscape, wearing a raincoat over a bare torso. He attributed a sense of enduring impact to Marcus Aurelius, stating that actions today shed echoes into eternity. In Dubai, Durov continues to balance work with regular workouts, sometimes training alongside collaborators like the rapper Alisher Morgenstern, who is known in Russia as a foreign agent. The Telegram founder describes his regimen succinctly, emphasizing consistency over intensity.
What he shares about exercise centers on moderation and regularity. Durov notes that staying active through calm, steady cardio—such as outdoor walking, cycling, or swimming—paired with light resistance training helps maintain health and longevity. He has also posted striking images over the years that show him shirtless during desert rides or horseback excursions, underscoring a personal commitment to fitness and wellness alongside his business pursuits. He has discussed intermittent fasting as part of his routine, framing it as a positive personal experience.
Mark Zuckerberg
The head of Meta, often a focal point in debates about technology and public life, has also shared his athletic interests in the public eye. Whether or not he noticed Durov’s posts, a social media exchange between the two figures occurred, underscoring a mutual interest in staying active. Zuckerberg’s public appearances during Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu events have highlighted his life as an athlete beyond his role as a tech executive. He has earned recognition for team achievements within Guerrilla Jiu Jitsu and has acknowledged the guidance of a renowned martial artist, Dave Camarillo, who mentored him on his training journey.
In 2022, Zuckerberg appeared in training clips with a well-known MMA fighter, signaling a continued commitment to martial arts. The footage shows him practicing strikes and takedowns, while also sharing a real sense of fascination with MMA. He has spoken about how the COVID-19 period sparked a deeper interest in the sport and how regular practice has become a shared activity with friends. He has also admitted enjoying the sport as part of a broader lifestyle that includes watching competitions and following fighters closely.
Across his routine, Zuckerberg emphasizes a mix of discipline and enjoyment. He has noted that his engagement with MMA extends to meditation and consistent training without relying on a personal trainer. The routine began as a curiosity but has grown into a meaningful part of daily life for him, illustrating how elite tech leaders often blend professional demands with physical training to maintain energy and focus.
Alex Karp
Alex Karp, the CEO of Palantir, is portrayed as a fitness enthusiast who dedicates substantial time to exercise during the workweek. At fifty-five, he claims a notably low body fat percentage and attributes part of his fitness to long sessions of cross-country skiing in rural New Hampshire. He emphasizes a philosophy that prioritizes endurance and steady progression over speed, drawing inspiration from Nordic athletes to shape his approach to training.
Karp explains that daily practices include tai chi and stretching, with functional gear such as swimming goggles kept handy in the office. He notes that his diet does not adhere to a strict plan, but he does avoid added sugars. On special occasions, he allows himself a bit of indulgence, especially when traveling and enjoying good chocolate. This balanced stance reflects a practical view of fitness that fits a high-demand career.
Jack Dorsey
Jack Dorsey, the co-founder of Twitter, maps his fitness to a rhythm that blends intermittent fasting with mobility work. He describes a regimen that includes walking to work and, during the workweek, a single daily meal window. His evening meals typically feature protein such as fish, chicken, or steak, paired with vegetables, followed by a modest dessert choice like berries or dark chocolate.
Dorsey is a proponent of supplements, including vitamin C, and adheres to a walking routine that averages around an hour. He also relies on a lightweight, seven-minute workout routine via a mobile app, and starts the day with cold exposure and meditation to sharpen focus. He emphasizes that stepping out of comfort zones, even through cold exposure, can build resilience. While some observers question the sustainability of his diet, Dorsey maintains that his approach aligns with his mental clarity and energy levels.
Jeff Bezos
Jeff Bezos is often described in online commentary as embracing a physique that reflects intense training. While he has not publicly confirmed every claim, there is ongoing speculation about his approach to diet and recovery. Reports mention a diverse breakfast palette, described as including unconventional options, alongside a disciplined training routine and ample sleep. Some observers argue that sustained muscle development at his age requires more than diet and exercise alone, suggesting medical or supplemental factors could play a role.
Commentators emphasize that absolute proof is elusive. Industry voices stress that significant gains in muscle mass at an advanced age commonly involve a combination of consistent training, medical oversight, and strategic nutrition. Observers note Bezos’s late-2021 physical transformation as a turning point, highlighting his willingness to pursue rigorous routines. Public reflections on his journey cast doubt on any single factor being responsible for the level of development seen, instead pointing to a long-standing commitment to discipline and energy management as key elements of his approach.