How Kendrick Lamar Prepares for the Super Bowl Halftime Show

As Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour workout has shown, prepping for musical performances now includes more than simply rehearsing songs and choreography—you’ve got to train your entire body for the demands of the stage.

Kendrick Lamar’s Fitness Routine

So we did a little digging into how the “Not Like Us” rapper, who recently took home five Grammys, works out in general—and tapped a couple trainers to see how that kind of training could do him a solid on the field.

Running as a Staple

Last fall, Lamar talked to Harper’s Bazaar about the early-morning ritual that helps him stay physically and mentally ready: running.

“When I started running, that’s where I started to understand. There was this threshold of pain in the spirituality for me,” he told SZA, who interviewed him for the piece. “I remember my shins was aching and I was like, I got one mile to go. Then I get whispers and downloads and start talking about shit that I want to know about. And next thing I’m three miles in, four miles in. I wake up and do that shit every day.”

Benefits for the Stage

This could benefit Lamar in a few ways. For any performer, breath control is key, and a consistent running routine, like the one he spoke about, can help build up stamina for the stage, Lindsey Clayton, a certified group fitness trainer and run coach based in New York City, tells SELF.

When engaging in a high-stakes performance such as the Super Bowl halftime show, endurance is key. “Cardio endurance and oxygen consumption will increase over time if you are running consistently,” Clayton says. The regular habit of long, easy runs, such as Lamar’s daily three-to-four-mile bouts, would likely be appropriate for getting the body ready for this type of performance. Clayton also suggests adding in strength training to prep for something like this, since it can boost power and agility, which will help your muscles handle the work once it’s showtime.

Singing While Running

While Lamar didn’t mention anything about singing while he ran, we do know—as Swift showed us—that doing so can add an extra layer to training too. Clayton, who used to be a performer herself, would often prep for showtime by singing while running on a treadmill. “It’s going to feel terrible in the moment, but the body’s ability to endure and not feel gassed at the end of it will get better over time,” she says.

Conclusion

While we can’t know for certain how Kendrick Lamar will prepare for the Super Bowl halftime show, it’s clear that his running routine will play a significant role in getting him physically and mentally ready for the performance. By incorporating strength training and potentially singing while running, Lamar will be well-prepared to take on the demands of the stage.

FAQs

Q: What is Kendrick Lamar’s typical workout routine?

A: According to his interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Lamar starts his day with a three-to-four-mile run.

Q: How can running benefit a performer for the stage?

A: Running can help build up stamina, improve breath control, and increase endurance, making it an excellent way to prepare for high-stakes performances like the Super Bowl halftime show.

Q: Does singing while running add an extra layer to training?

A: Yes, singing while running can help build up endurance and improve breath control, making it an excellent way to prepare for performances that require vocal stamina.