When Anand Mahindra shared his his workout routine (Express Photo by Ganesh Shirsekar)
The way businessman Anand Mahindra takes care of his health at 70 is incredible. Sharing details, the Mahindra company scion once shared that he rotates his "weekly fitness routine". "I’m no fitness guru, but I rotate my weekly fitness routine between cardio-vascular (swimming/ellipticals), muscle tone (working out with weights), and stretching (yoga). However, the most important part of a daily health routine is 20 minutes of meditation every morning," said Anand in a response to an X post in 2022.
Taking a cue from his admission, let's understand how such a combination works for those over 70, with an emphasis on 20 minutes of meditation.
Strength training is typically missing from many elderly people's routines, said Varun Rattan, founder of Evolve Fitness. "Muscle mass and bone density loss become more pronounced after 60. This makes resistance training even more important as we age. Lift weights or use resistance bands 2 to 4 days a week. Weight training will increase independence and improve cognition in older adults," said Rattan.
Combine it with yoga to support flexibility and balance. "Move with awareness, coordinating breath and motion to cultivate calm energy," said Rattan.
According to the expert, low-impact cardio like swimming and elliptical are easy on the joints, strengthen the heart, and improve endurance. "Performing such activities 3–5 times a week at a steady, conversational pace would keep the heart healthy," said Rattan.
Here's what helps (Photo: Freepik)
Rattan said that beginning the day with 20 minutes of meditation is akin to tuning your inner instrument and setting the day's tone. "Stillness nourishes the mind and spirit, like food nourishes the body. It is where emotional healing begins. With age, the mind accumulates subtle impressions, attachments, and fears. Meditation clears this fog and helps you live more from awareness than reaction. It may also boost vitality and immunity," said Rattan.
How to begin:
*Sit on a cushion or chair, spine upright but relaxed.
*Close your eyes and bring attention to your breath. Let it be soft, natural, and effortless.
*As thoughts come, observe them, like clouds passing across the sky, remarked Rattan, adding that one can also do chanting.
*Let this practice be non-striving. "Meditation is not something to achieve but something to allow," said Rattan.
With time, you’ll notice that you start your day more peacefully and carry that peace into every part of your life. "You begin to move with intention, eat with awareness, and speak with kindness," said Rattan.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
When a follower on X (formerly Twitter) asked industrialist Anand Mahindra how he stays so fit and active at 70, his response was delightfully humble and practical.
He tweeted:
"I'm no fitness guru but I rotate my weekly fitness routine between cardio-vascular (swimming/ellipticals) muscle tone (working out with weights) & stretching (Yoga). However, the most important part of my daily health routine is 20 minutes of meditation every morning. And your fitness tips?"
Fitness experts often point to Mahindra’s routine as a masterclass in active aging. Here is how his simple, gimmick-free approach works to keep both body and mind sharp:
🧘 1. The Core Pillar: 20-Minute Morning Meditation
For Mahindra, mental fitness is just as important as physical movement. He considers his 20-minute morning meditation the non-negotiable anchor of his day. It helps clear mental clutter, lower stress, and build cognitive resilience—crucial for running a global business empire.
🏋️ 2. Muscle Tone: Working Out with Weights
Many people abandon resistance training as they age, but Mahindra embraces it. Picking up dumbbells a few times a week combats age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) and preserves bone density, keeping the body strong and functional.
🏊 3. Joint-Friendly Cardio: Swimming and Ellipticals
Rather than high-impact running that can wear down knees and joints, he opts for swimming and the elliptical trainer. This gets his heart rate up, builds cardiovascular endurance, and protects his joints.
🤸 4. Flexibility and Balance: Yoga
To round out his physical regimen, he incorporates yoga and stretching. It's a great strategy to maintain agility, posture, and balance, which naturally decline over time if left untracked.
The big takeaway from Mahindra’s blueprint isn't about expensive bio-hacks or grueling gym sessions; it is about consistency, balance, and variety. By rotating between strength, cardio, stretching, and stillness, he manages to keep the machine running incredibly smooth.
Since you are passionate about wellness and nutrition, would you like me to look into how specific superfoods—like Amla, Moringa, or Beetroot—can complement a fitness routine for active aging?
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