In one recent livestream shared by First Lady Rosângela “Janja” da Silva, Lula is seen finishing a 45-minute treadmill run before moving into squats, at one point with weights strapped to his ankles. A white towel draped around his neck, he cuts the figure of a veteran politician intent on demonstrating physical resilience.

But the routine goes beyond optics. Lula has repeatedly stressed the role of discipline in maintaining health, telling followers that while ageing is inevitable, physical decline is not. In social media posts accompanying the videos, he has linked regular exercise to longevity and quality of life, suggesting that consistent habits can extend one’s active years well into old age .

With a significantly younger rival expected to challenge him, Lula’s message is clear: endurance matters. And for a politician with decades in public life, staying in shape is not just about health—it is about proving he can go the distance once again.