Former US President Donald Trump has openly stated that he finds traditional exercise routines tedious, even as medical professionals emphasise its importance for health maintenance. In a candid conversation with the Wall Street Journal, the Republican leader, who is about to turn 80, shared his unconventional views on fitness and personal health management.
Golf Over Gym: Trump's Preferred 'Exercise'
Trump made it clear that structured workouts are not for him. "I just don't like it. It's boring. To walk on a treadmill or run on a treadmill for hours and hours like some people do, that's not for me," he stated. Instead, the avid golfer considers playing golf his primary form of physical activity. He had previously told reporters in 2020, "My 'exercise' is playing, almost never during the week, a quick round of golf." This preference highlights a significant departure from standard medical advice for someone his age.
Self-Prescribed High-Dose Aspirin & Medical Scans
Beyond exercise, Trump discussed his medical choices in detail, revealing a potentially risky habit. He disclosed that he takes a daily 325-milligram aspirin dose to thin his blood. This is substantially higher than the 81-milligram dose commonly recommended by doctors for preventive care. "They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don't want thick blood pouring through my heart. I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart. Does that make sense?" he explained to CNN.
Medical experts have expressed concern over this high dosage, noting that while aspirin can help prevent blood clots, higher doses significantly increase the risk of internal bleeding without offering extra protective benefits. Despite this, Trump's physician, Dr Sean Barbabella, has maintained that the former president "remains in exceptional health."
Trump also clarified details about a medical scan he underwent in October, specifying it was a routine CT scan and not an MRI as some reports had suggested. "It wasn't an MRI. It was less than that. It was a scan," he said. The results from this scan were reportedly normal for both his cardiovascular and abdominal systems.
Dismissing Concerns Over Leg Swelling and Public Appearances
The former president addressed other health matters, including swelling in his legs caused by chronic venous insufficiency. He admitted he stopped wearing the compression socks doctors recommended, simply because "I didn't like them."
Furthermore, Trump brushed off observations and photographs that appeared to show him dozing off during public events. He attributed these moments to relaxation and blinking. "I'll just close. It's very relaxing to me. Sometimes they'll take a picture of me blinking, blinking, and they'll catch me with the blink," he stated. On questions about his hearing, he downplayed any difficulties, saying he only struggles "when there's a lot of people talking," but otherwise hears normally.
As Donald Trump approaches his 80th birthday, his candid revelations present a portrait of a public figure who follows his own instincts regarding health and wellness, often choosing personal preference over conventional medical guidance.
