How Jesse Itzler stays fit enough to say “yes” to anything

Jesse Itzler wears many hats – entrepreneur, public speaker, author, and endurance athlete.

With a diverse career spanning from co-founding Marquis Jet to co-owning the Atlanta Hawks, Itzler has now turned his attention to revolutionizing the wellness and fitness industry. His latest ventures – All Day Running Company, Runningman Festival, and 29029 – reflect this new focus and passion for endurance challenges and community building.

Wellworthy caught up with Itzler to learn about his day-to-day approach to wellness and his go-to products.

A day in the life: Fitness, fuel, and focus

Itzler’s routine might sound intense: he aims for three cumulative hours of exercise daily. “Which I know sounds crazy,” he admits. Those three hours roughly break down into:

• 30 minutes of Wim Hof breathing to start the day
• 1-hour morning run
• Mid-day swim
• Afternoon bike ride
• Playing with his kids (currently, a lot of basketball)

Itzler wants to be able to say ‘yes’ to anything.

Why such an intense routine? Itzler explains, “I want to be fit enough to say ‘yes’ to anything on short notice.” Currently, he’s training to swim across Lake Michigan with some friends later this year. “It’s definitely going to be tough, so making sure I get those swims in,” he adds.

Fruits ’til noon

When it comes to fueling, Itzler takes a unique approach. For the past 25 years, he’s adhered to a strict routine: consuming only fruit until noon each day. “It brings me so much energy,” he explains. Following his morning exercise, Itzler typically kicks off his daily nutrition with a fruit smoothie.

Balancing life and work

After his smoothie, Itzeler switches into business mode. “I could be on a conference call, a podcast, or delivering an in-person speech,” he adds. But, managing such a packed schedule doesn’t happen by chance. Itzler attributes his productivity to meticulous planning.

Itzler always prioritizes planning his life over business.

“Every night I map out what I’m going to be doing the following day,” he shares. “The playbook is ready the moment I get up.” This nightly ritual ensures he can fit everything into his day, from intense workouts to business commitments.

However, Itzler’s planning philosophy goes beyond daily tasks and helps him to prioritize life over work: “I plan my life before my meetings. The work is going to happen, but there’s never a perfect time to schedule a race, trip, date night, or family vacation. So I plan those first and fill the work in around them.”

Health and wellness must-haves

What I’m wearing: HOKA

“I’ve been wearing HOKA’s for years now. They’re the best running shoes for me, The Clifton’s have been my go-to’s.”

The daily driver: All Day Running Co Hat

“I’m a big hat guy. The All Day Running Co – Legacy logo hat has been a staple for me lately.”

What I’m drinking: Zico

“I love coconut water, and Zico keeps me fueled. No added sugar, tons of electrolytes, and great to grab on the go! Super refreshing and hydrating.”

How I’m staying organized: Big Ass Calendar

“I map out my entire year well in advance. I designed a giant 365-day one page calendar called ‘The Big Ass Calendar’. It helps me track towards my annual goals and gets me excited to plan more.”

How I’m staying uncomfortable: Contrast therapy

Itzler taking an ice bath.

“I’ve basically been saunaing every day for 25 years. I’ve been doing it before all the science came out behind the benefits because it makes me feel really good. My standard session is 15-minute hot, 2-minute cold, 15 minute hot, 2 minute cold, 15 minute hot, and finish with a quick cold dunk. You do that and you’ll feel incredible.”