Despite his demanding role as CEO of Meta, Mark Zuckerberg carves out significant time to fuel his passion for sports. Known not only for his business acumen but also for his athletic achievements, Zuckerberg excels in various disciplines ranging from simple running to high-adrenaline activities like surfing and competitive martial arts.
Balancing Business and Fitness
At just 40, Zuckerberg is the world’s third-richest person, with an estimated net worth of $202.5 billion, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index (as of November 6). His creations, such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, have revolutionized social media and reshaped global connectivity through technology. Alongside his intellectual prowess, Zuckerberg stands out for his dedication to fitness, consistently highlighting the importance of physical health.
As he told CNBC: “Energy is essential to succeeding at anything. And you only have energy when you maintain a fit and healthy body. I ensure to work out at least three times a week to stay in shape and healthy.”
A Love for Martial Arts
Zuckerberg’s fascination with martial arts began during the COVID-19 pandemic, evolving into a disciplined routine. He now practices Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) three to four times a week, supplementing this with cardio and strength training.
To sustain his rigorous regimen, Zuckerberg consumes up to 4,000 calories daily, emphasizing a high-protein, low-sugar diet.
In May 2023, Zuckerberg competed in his first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament in Redwood City, California, where he secured gold and silver medals, a feat widely celebrated in the martial arts community. Later that year, he was promoted to blue belt, a significant milestone in BJJ, by legendary black belt instructor Dave Camarillo.
While his achievements impressed the public, family and colleagues expressed concern about potential injuries, as Zuckerberg’s deep passion for martial arts drives him to push his limits.
Surfing, Running, and More
Former Facebook VP Sam Lessin described Zuckerberg as a “catalyst for fitness activities,” excelling in multiple sports.
One of Zuckerberg’s favorite activities is surfing, which he finds meditative. He shared: “On a surfboard surrounded by water, you focus solely on the waves, leaving little room for other thoughts.”
His Instagram post on July 4, 2024, showcased his unique style as he surfed while donning a formal suit and holding the U.S. flag, captivating social media audiences.
Zuckerberg’s love for running dates back to 2016, when he celebrated a year-long streak of running 587 kilometers. After pausing to focus on martial arts, he made headlines again in May 2023 by completing a 5km charity run at Stanford with an impressive time of 19 minutes and 34 seconds.
His social media is filled with updates about running in destinations worldwide, including China, Spain, and Germany, demonstrating his unwavering passion for fitness.
A Fitness-Focused Lifestyle
Zuckerberg’s impressive physique and dedication to fitness are testaments to his commitment to an active lifestyle. Whether it’s martial arts, surfing, or running, the Meta CEO proves that balancing a high-stakes career with a love for sports is not only achievable but also key to success.
