Kevin Hart’s Workout: How the Comedian Got in Shape & Stays Fit at 46

At 4:30 a.m., Kevin Hart is already at the gym. While widely recognized as a comedian and actor, Hart maintains a rigorous training schedule, working out six days a week for approximately an hour and a half, without fail. This dedication to fitness began over a decade ago when Hart approached trainer Ron “Boss” Everline with a goal to significantly impact the fitness industry.

“He wanted to get on the cover of Men’s Health,” Everline told Business Insider. “I said I’m the man to help you get there — if you listen to the rules.”

Everline’s approach centers on three core principles: lifting weights, high-intensity exercise and consistent effort. This combination, he believes, is the key to achieving results.

Hart achieved his initial goal, appearing on the cover of Men’s Health in 2015, and again in 2020, along with numerous other magazine features. Now 46, Hart continues to prioritize his fitness, with a growing emphasis on longevity.

“Age doesn’t really factor into what we’re capable of. Training in a certain fashion keeps you young and vibrant,” Everline said. “The workout, to me, stays the same. It’s how much you load up.”

Lift Weights – The Right Way

Everline’s own background as an aspiring NFL player informs his training philosophy, emphasizing an athletic approach. Hart’s workouts incorporate full-body training focused on speed and power, utilizing exercises like squats, cleans, presses, and lunges. A typical weekly schedule includes leg exercises on Monday, chest exercises on Wednesday, shoulders and back on Thursday, and full-body workouts on Friday and Saturday, with Sunday dedicated to active recovery through light cardio.

While the exercises themselves haven’t drastically changed over the years, Everline notes a shift in approach. The focus is now less on maximizing weight lifted and more on building resilience.

“The lifting now is more tailored toward more mobility and stretching. As you get older, it’s less load,” he said. “Muscle is a foundational principle as you get older. The more muscle you have, the better you are.”

Everline emphasizes that progress with weight training isn’t about lifting the heaviest possible weight, but rather challenging the body with quality repetitions to create consistent muscle stress. “Lifting super heavy, it’s not necessary for growth. It’s really time under tension,” he said.

Don’t Skip the Warm-Up

A significant change in training as one enters their 40s, according to Everline, is the increased importance of a thorough warm-up. “I think there’s a lot more warming up and getting the body primed versus when you’re 25, you just go into the gym and go,” he explained.

A proper gym warm-up prepares the body for the specific movement patterns of the workout, activating the necessary muscles to maximize performance and minimize the risk of injury.

Start Sprinting to Stay Young

Hart’s routine incorporates a substantial amount of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) during full-body workout days. “We sprint a lot to get our heart rate up and keep us super young,” Everline said.

Drawing on his athletic background, Everline incorporates outdoor running sessions at the track, with repeated intervals of 100 or 200 meters, supplemented by one-minute treadmill sprints. Research supports the benefits of HIIT, demonstrating its effectiveness in preventing disease and slowing the aging process.

“Most people don’t sprint after a certain age,” Everline said. “If you continue to use it, you can still run a sprint when you’re 50 or 60, and that’s why it’s a foundational principle for us.”

Get a Little Competitive

Hart’s high-intensity routine also benefits from his naturally competitive spirit, making workouts more engaging and motivating.

“It keeps the gamification a part of how we train at a very, very high level,” Everline said.

Finding ways to challenge oneself and enjoy the process is crucial for maintaining a workout routine and achieving lasting results. Everline emphasizes that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to motivation.

“It’s really finding a formula that fits you, taking it day-by-day, and not trying to have all the answers at once,” he said. “That’s what longevity is built on. It’s the compound effect of doing small things over a period of time.”