Telegram CEO Pavel Durov reveals his fitness secret: 300 push-ups, 300 squats, and Banya sauna

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov’s fitness routine: “I do 300 push-ups and 300 squats every morning. In addition to that, I go to the gym five to six times a week, spending between one and two hours every day. This is how I start my day.”

Fitness is a way of life for some people, and Telegram CEO Pavel Durov is no different. In a podcast with Lex Fridman, he discussed the ways in which he challenges his body for long-term goals, which include doing an insane number of push-ups and squats.

Pavel Durov’s Workout Routine

Talking more about his fitness routine, Durov said, “I do 300 push-ups and 300 squats every morning. In addition to that, I go to the gym five to six times a week, spending between one and two hours every day. This is how I start my day.”

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Self-discipline is the key

While he admitted that these exercises may not drastically transform the body, they are part of practicing self-discipline. “You don’t want to do push-ups in the morning, most days. Squats aren’t hard, but they’re just boring. But you overcome it, and it becomes much easier to start doing other things related to your work.”

This shows that rather than focusing solely on the physical body, Durov uses workouts to build mental strength and endurance.

What is the Banya sauna?

It’s not just physical workouts. Telegram’s CEO shared that he enjoys the ‘Banya sauna.’ For him, this is another exercise in self-discipline. “I think the main muscle you can exercise is this one, the muscle of self-discipline, not your biceps or pecs. Because if you train that, everything else follows easily.”

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“Banya is an extreme kind of sauna practiced by Eastern Europeans. It is done in a way that maximises heat, uses herbs and branches, and is a much more holistic and natural experience.”

Sharing his own experience, he said, “Maybe in the moment it’s not always pleasant, especially when you go to extreme temperatures. I don’t always feel great, but the feeling passes. It’s only a few minutes. Same with ice baths, you have to suffer a bit, and then you feel great for hours or even days afterward. What’s more, it gives you long-term health benefits.”

He called it “alcohol in reverse,” adding that while drinking gives temporary pleasure but has negative consequences for health, banya brings short-term discomfort for long-term gains.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.