Manchester United megastar Cristiano Ronaldo is generally heralded as the peak of physical fitness, although many of his own secrets when it comes to keeping fit seem fairly odd. Still, the 36-year-old must be doing plenty of things right to continue showing topflight defenders a clean pair of heels at his age.
Ronaldo is a notoriously committed trainer, which is essentially why he still lines up in top condition well into his thirties.
The Portuguese has quickly become well acquainted with British audiences once again after sealing a blockbuster return to United this summer.
Since his debut against Newcastle, the team’s performances have been somewhat rocky, although his individual showings have been strong with five goals under his belt already.
Ronaldo clearly has a few tricks up his sleeve, and Express Sport takes a look at four fitness secrets which keep the star fighting fit:
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Six meals a day
Ronaldo attributes his enduring fitness to eating little and often throughout the day, something he deems crucial given that a good chunk of it is spent training or playing.
Chicken, salads and fish are among the staples in his diet, with a particularly strange affinity for swordfish according to The Mirror.
As a gentle reminder that he is indeed human, however, one of those six meals occasionally comprises of a humble pizza to prevent his diet becoming ‘boring’.
Avoid alcohol
Although Ronaldo is the picture of health, his decision to go alcohol-free also stems from family tragedy.
His father died while battling an alcohol problem at the age of 52, and the United star has been teetotal since 2005.
“What happened to our family explains why Cristiano doesn’t have vices,” said his mother Dolores.
“He doesn’t smoke and doesn’t drink. His addiction is football.”
Fitness regime and cryotherapy
Pilates, cardio and weight training are among Ronaldo’s weapons of choice when it comes to staying lean.
In a continuation of the ‘more money than sense’ advantage, the Portuguese was previously able to train in his lavish home, although it is unclear whether he has devised such a set up since returning to Manchester.
Not content with regular gym work, the attacker reportedly splashed out £50,000 on a cryochamber which improves post-game recovery.
Spending three minutes at -200 degrees Celcius does not sound like everyone’s cup of tea, but perhaps that is one of the sacrifices of being up there with the world’s best.
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