I do cardio everyday, which involves a 25-minute run or jog

"I do cardio every day, which involves a 25-minute run or jog besides 45-minute-long weight training. I don't lift heavy weights. As far as my diet is concerned, I have seven small meals a day." These words, spoken by Sooraj Pancholi, carry within them the timeless principles of balance, moderation, and commitment—values that have been revered since ancient times. Pancholi’s approach to fitness and diet is not rooted in extremes, but in a well-thought-out, steady rhythm of physical activity and nourishment that supports long-term vitality and strength. His daily regimen of cardio and weight training, combined with a measured approach to food, speaks to an ancient truth: health is achieved through consistent, mindful effort and a life lived in harmony with the body’s natural needs.

In the teachings of the ancient Greeks, balance was paramount. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, famously said, "Let food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food." This statement was not merely about nutrition, but about the integration of nourishment with exercise to maintain the harmony of the body. The ancient Greeks understood that to live a long and healthy life, one had to engage in both moderate physical activity and consume a diet that supported that activity. Pancholi’s balanced approach to fitness, focusing on both cardio and weight training without extremes, echoes this Greek wisdom—moderation and steadiness are the keys to longevity and health.

Consider the example of Spartan warriors, who were famed not only for their combat skills but for their rigorous physical training. The Spartans did not engage in excessive weight lifting or intense cardio, but instead focused on functional strength, agility, and endurance through a well-rounded regimen. Their physical prowess was the result of daily discipline, with each training session focused on enhancing both strength and endurance. In the same way, Pancholi’s balanced routine of jogging and moderate weight training speaks to the Spartan ideal—a body prepared for any challenge through consistent, balanced effort rather than extreme exertion.

In the ancient Roman Empire, physical fitness was also seen as a reflection of one’s moral and civic duties. The Roman soldiers, whose strength and discipline were legendary, followed a regimen that balanced strength, stamina, and agility—much like Pancholi’s approach. They understood that long-lasting strength did not come from sporadic bursts of effort, but from daily commitment to moderate training and careful attention to their diet. Cicero, the Roman philosopher, wrote often about the importance of balance in all things, and this extended to physical health. Just as Pancholi’s routine emphasizes moderation—whether in cardio or diet—the Romans understood that true health comes from not only physical activity but also dietary mindfulness.

Pancholi’s approach also aligns with the philosophy of self-discipline cherished by the Stoics, such as Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius. For the Stoics, physical health was seen as a reflection of mental strength, and self-discipline in one’s diet and exercise routine was a reflection of moral fortitude. They did not advocate for indulgence or excess, but rather a life of moderate and purposeful living. In the Stoic view, health was achieved by mastering the self, choosing consistency and moderation over fleeting indulgences. Pancholi’s seven small meals a day and his commitment to daily exercise mirror this Stoic ideal—a steady and consistent approach to living well, with self-mastery at its core.

The lesson in Pancholi’s words is one of steadiness, awareness, and commitment. We often seek shortcuts or extreme measures when it comes to health, driven by the allure of quick results or the latest trends. But true well-being is not found in extremes or temporary fixes, but in consistent, moderate efforts that become a part of our daily lives. Fitness is not a destination; it is a lifelong practice that requires daily attention and care. Just as the ancients understood the value of balance in all things—whether in diet, exercise, or spiritual practice—we too must learn to embrace moderation and consistency in our own lives.

In practical terms, Pancholi’s approach teaches us to make small, sustainable changes to our routines, focusing on consistency rather than intensity. Whether it’s cardio, strength training, or our diet, we must approach fitness as a daily commitment, not a fleeting obsession. This means integrating moderate, thoughtful physical activity into our routine, coupled with a mindful diet that supports our needs. Pancholi’s seven small meals remind us that nutrition is not about deprivation but about nourishing the body regularly, creating a sustainable energy flow throughout the day.

Thus, we can take Sooraj Pancholi’s words and the wisdom of the ancients into our own lives. Let us seek balance, consistency, and self-discipline in all aspects of our health and well-being. Let us engage in regular exercise that strengthens both body and mind, and in a diet that supports long-term vitality. By following a path of steady effort, moderation, and self-awareness, we will achieve the enduring strength, clarity, and peace that the great thinkers of old once sought. This is the path to true vitality—a life of balanced effort, focused intention, and the unwavering commitment to our own health and well-being.