Ronaldo's 33-year-old fitness secret: Swimming and gym obsession

Time spares no one, perhaps this saying is no longer true for Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar just scored in the eighth minute of injury time to send Real Madrid into the semi-finals of the Champions League, the most prestigious and fierce club competition in the world.

The image of Ronaldo taking off his shirt after scoring a goal shows the 33-year-old player's qualities, not only in his mental aspect but also in the way he takes care of his body to have the physical strength and power to fight against people who are a whole generation younger than him.

There is not much difference between Ronaldo's current physique and the one who took off his shirt after scoring the winning goal against Atletico Madrid in the final four years ago. His body, which is full of muscles like a swimmer's, is a testament to Ronaldo's determination to play at the highest level. Swimming is also one of the secrets to Ronaldo's fitness and flexibility.

Aquatics is considered an important discovery in Ronaldo's journey to maintain his form. The Portuguese superstar often swims at home after each match with his eldest son.

After swimming, Ronaldo moves on to hot and cold water therapy to restore his muscles, followed by standing under high-pressure water jets that resemble a massage. Finally, Ronaldo soaks in a cold bath at temperatures ranging from minus 160 to minus 200 for three minutes.

Ronaldo's method of soaking in a nitrogen-filled cryotherapy tank is well known. The Portuguese player is one of the few people who has installed the $71,000 system in his home.

In addition to his water therapy, Ronaldo is also obsessed with the gym. According to coach Paul Clement, who worked with Ronaldo as an assistant at Real from 2013 to 2015, the Portuguese player is ready to go to the gym regardless of the time.

Accordingly, after a Champions League group stage match in Türkiye, the plane carrying Real players arrived in Madrid at 3am. While his teammates just wanted to quickly get in their cars and leave, Ronaldo went into the gym and soaked himself in an ice bath.

Ronaldo not only trains at Real's Valdebebas stadium, but also in a professional gym built at home. However, this player has started to limit the number of extra training hours due to his age.

In addition to training, Ronaldo is also strict with what he puts into his body. Ronaldo's diet has two no's: no sugar and no fat. A story told in the Real dressing room is that after each match, the players have to replenish their energy with snacks. After eating, the other players go home and Ronaldo goes swimming.

Ronaldo's secret to staying in shape

Swim after each match, take hot and cold showers to recover muscles, massage under high pressure water jets.

Soak in a cold tub at minus 200 degrees.

Regularly replenish water during exercise

Do not drink alcohol, limit sugar and fat.