At 59, Akshay Kumar continues to impress fans with his discipline, energy, and athletic fitness. In an industry where youth and physique often dominate headlines, the Bollywood star remains one of the few actors still performing action scenes, intense workouts, and physically demanding roles with ease.
But according to Akshay – who is awaiting the release of his latest film Welcome to the Jungle, the real reason he stays fit is not vanity, strict bodybuilding, or extreme gym routines; it is pressure from his children.
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The ‘pressure’ that keeps Akshay Kumar fit
Earlier, Akshay had revealed that his biggest fitness motivation comes from trying to keep up with his daughter Nitara and son Aarav. Speaking on The Ranveer Show, the actor admitted that his children constantly challenge him physically. “My daughter wants me to run faster than her. My son wants me to swim faster than him and climb rocks faster than him,” Akshay shared.
He explained that school sports events have become unexpectedly competitive because he often finds himself racing against much younger parents. “On sports day, my daughter tells me, ‘Daddy, you have to win,’” he said, joking that most parents competing are in their early thirties while he is nearing sixty.
Still, Akshay says he enjoys the challenge because it pushes him to stay active and disciplined.
Akshay’s early dinner rule
One of the biggest pillars of Akshay’s health routine is his strict meal timing. The actor strongly believes in finishing dinner early – usually around 6:30 pm, so the body gets enough time to digest food before sleep. According to Akshay, the digestive system also needs rest.
“Eating at 6:30 is important because you get time to digest your food, and by the time you sleep, the stomach is ready to rest,” he explained during a 2025 book launch event. Health experts say early dinners and consistent sleep schedules may help improve digestion, metabolism, sleep quality, and weight management.
Why Akshay practices fasting?
Akshay also follows a disciplined intermittent fasting routine, including a full-day fast every Monday. He revealed that after Sunday dinner, he avoids eating throughout Monday until Tuesday morning. Intermittent fasting has gained popularity in recent years for its potential benefits, including better insulin sensitivity, improved digestion, weight management, reduced late-night eating, and better metabolic health.
However, doctors warn that fasting routines should be personalised and may not suit everyone, especially people with diabetes, medical conditions, or nutritional deficiencies.
No heavy bodybuilding, no crash diets
Unlike many Bollywood actors, Akshay Kumar has long avoided traditional bodybuilding culture. Instead of focusing on bulky muscles, he prefers functional fitness and outdoor activities such as swimming, martial arts, running, hiking, stretching, and natural bodyweight exercises. He has also repeatedly warned against crash diets, extreme transformations, and overdependence on processed supplements.
Fitness experts say functional training may improve flexibility, stamina, balance, and long-term mobility better than excessive muscle-focused workouts alone.
Why consistency matters more than age
Akshay’s routine reflects an important health lesson: long-term consistency matters more than intense short-term fitness trends. Regular movement, disciplined sleep, mindful eating, reduced processed food intake, and staying physically active with family can all support healthy ageing.
At nearly 60, Akshay’s approach shows that fitness is not just about appearance – it is about maintaining energy, mobility, and strength for everyday life.
