Telegram CEO Pavel Durov’s extreme fitness routine is not for the faint-hearted. Known for his unshakable discipline and minimalist lifestyle, Durov has built a wellness philosophy around endurance and control rather than comfort. His daily regimen is so rigorous that even podcaster Lex Fridman, who interviewed him on October 3, described it as “crazy.”

Durov admits his daily push-ups and squats may feel monotonous, but they are central to his philosophy of self-discipline. Every morning begins the same way, with 300 push-ups and 300 squats, a practice that helps him set the tone for the rest of his workday. “I do 300 push-ups and 300 squats every morning. On top of that, I hit the gym five to six times a week, spending one to two hours each day,” he told Fridman.While he finds squats “boring,” Durov sees value in pushing through the monotony. “They’re not that hard, just boring. But once you push through, it becomes easier to tackle other work-related tasks,” he said.For Durov, these physical challenges are as much about mental strength as they are about fitness. “I think the main muscle you can exercise is this one, the muscle of self-discipline. Not your biceps or pecs. Once you train that, everything else follows naturally,” he added.

Durov also relies on temperature extremes, ice baths and intense sauna sessions, to test his endurance. “It’s not always pleasant, but the discomfort is brief. A few minutes of suffering in an ice bath or sauna leads to hours or days of feeling great, and offers long-term health benefits,” he said.He alternates between freezing and blistering temperatures using the traditional Eastern European Banya method. “Banya is an extreme sauna that maximises heat, uses herbs and branches, and provides a holistic, natural experience. It’s intense, but I’ve gotten used to it,” he explained.Even when the experience becomes uncomfortable, Durov insists the benefits outweigh the strain. “It’s only a few minutes of suffering, but the rewards last for hours or even days. Plus, it contributes to long-term health,” he said.