If Barack Obama trains 5 times a week, are you sure you can't spare 30 minutes a day to exercise?

Having spent the last decade in medicine and the fitness industry, one of the most common things I hear when I speak to people about starting or continuing an exercise programme – is that they haven’t got enough time.

ALSO READ: 3 clever innovations that will make fitness goals more attainable

It is true that we all have so much on our plate, however our health is something that we should be carving out some time for in our hectic schedules.

The following list comprises some of the world’s top leaders and their fitness habits. If Barack Obama trains 5 times a week, are you sure you haven’t got a spare 30 minutes a day?


Barack Obama: Former President of the United States

Obama.jpg (original size)(Photo: Andreas Solaro/AFP)

The former president trains religiously 6 days a week, 45 minutes at a time, usually first thing in the morning. His workout programme includes a mix of cardiovascular and strength training, and he also plays basketball regularly.


Richard Branson: Founder of the Virgin Group

RichardBranson.jpg (original size)(Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images North America/AFP)

Sir Richard Branson credits his productivity to working out, stating that staying active through running, weightlifting, swimming, Bikram Yoga and rock climbing gives him an additional four hours of productivity every day.


Mark Zuckerberg: Founder & CEO of Facebook

Mark Zuckerberg.jpg (original size)(Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images North America/AFP)

Mark Zuckerberg announced on his personal Facebook page in 2016 that he had pledged to run 365 miles in the year as a New Year’s resolution to incorporate fitness into his lifestyle, and completed the challenge 5 months ahead of time. He trains now 5 times a week with a personal trainer.


Anil Ambani: Chairman of Anil Dhirubai Ambani Group

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The Indian business mogul is well-known for being fit and running marathons. Being overweight in his younger years, Mr Ambani lost over a third of his weight through regular exercise and healthy eating. He has been spotted in Peak Fitness at 6:30 am when he visits Kuala Lumpur.


Narendra Modi: Prime Minister of India

NarendraModi.jpg (original size)(Photo: Money Sharma/AFP)

Mr Modi practices yoga at 5 am every morning, and meditates every night before going to bed.


Hillary Clinton: USA Secretary of State

HillaryClinton.jpg (original size)(Photo: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images North America/AFP)

Mrs Clinton maintains a workout regime with a personal trainer 3 times a week at 6 in the morning.


Oprah Winfrey: Media Proprietor

OprahWinfrey.jpg (original size)(Photo: Paras Griffin/Getty Images North America/AFP)

Oprah stays healthy with 45-minute cardio sessions 6 mornings a week, and strength training sessions 5 times a week.


Anna Wintour: Editor-in-chief of Vogue

AnnaWintour.jpg (original size)(Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images North America/AFP)

The famous editor reportedly has a daily hair appointment at 6:45am. What’s more interesting is that she would have finished playing an hour’s tennis by that time every single day.


Brian Chesky: Co-Founder of AirBnB

BrianChesky.jpg (original size)(Photo: Mike Windle/Getty Images North America/AFP)

One of the founders of the increasingly popular lodging rental company used to compete in bodybuilding, and is still very involved in the sport to this day.


Jack Dorsey: Founder of Twitter

JackDorsey.jpg (original size)(Photo: Justin Tallis/AFP)

Mr Dorsey runs 5k every day, and hits the gym on a regular basis for functional workouts.


Dr Andrea Lim.jpg (original size)

With a perfect combination of charismatic beauty, grace and intelligence, Dr Andrea Lim is a firm believer in the values of hard work and dedication. Besides working in her family business, KL Sogo, the medical degree holder is also a partner in her husband’s health and fitness venture, Peak Fitness.

To get in touch with her, please email andrea.ljh@klsogo.com.my.

Feeling inspired? Also read how successful people use mindfulness.