Imagine Dragons’ frontman, Dan Reynolds, is renowned not only for his powerful voice but also for his dedication to fitness. At 38, Reynolds maintains a serious, demanding physique thanks to a rigorous six-day-a-week training schedule that forms the foundation for his explosive stage presence. For Reynolds, the gym is more than just preparation for touring; it is essential support for his mental well-being and managing his autoimmune health challenges.
The Power Behind the Performance: Music and Mental Health
Reynolds’ primary motivation for his intense workout regimen is twofold. “I started working out for a lot of reasons. One for music – Imagine Dragons is a very expressive show,” Reynolds explained to Men’s Health US. The high-energy demands of running across the stage while simultaneously singing and controlling his breath necessitate elite cardiovascular and physical conditioning. If he falls behind on his cardio, his stage performance suffers.
Equally vital is the support training provides for his mental health. Having grappled with depression for years, Reynolds found that following a therapist’s recommendation to exercise daily proved to be “life-changing” in managing his condition.
Olympic Lifts: Building Explosive Power
The core of Reynolds’ demanding routine is Olympic lifting. This heavy-lifting discipline is specifically incorporated to develop the kind of power and agility required for his live shows.
“I do cleans, I do deadlifts, I do clean and jerks,” he noted. Reynolds utilizes these compound, full-body movements throughout the week to enhance his “fast twitch” muscle fibers and ensure he remains explosive and light on his feet on stage. Olympic lifting is a crucial element that provides the foundational strength for his dynamic performances.
Functional Circuits and Stretching for Autoimmune Management
In addition to the heavy lifts, his sessions include functional circuits designed to elevate his heart rate and challenge multiple muscle groups.
Crucially, stretching is an indispensable part of his routine, directly addressing one of his autoimmune conditions: ankylosing spondylitis (AS). AS is an inflammatory disease that primarily targets the spine, pelvis, and digestive tract. Reynolds uses flexibility work to help manage the condition, which, if left untreated, carries serious risks including fusion of the vertebrae, vision loss, and cardiovascular complications. Stretching is not just for recovery; it is a key component in maintaining mobility and health while living with AS.