As Beyoncé has shown throughout her career, preparing for a major musical performance is about more than just rehearsing songs and choreography—it’s a full-body endeavor. Known for her legendary Coachella performance and grueling dance rehearsals, Beyoncé incorporates intense cardio sessions, strength training, and vocal endurance exercises to ensure she can deliver high-energy, flawless performances. Kendrick Lamar took a similar approach in the lead-up to his Super Bowl LIX halftime show, demonstrating how physical and mental preparation played a key role in his electrifying performance.

Lamar, fresh off winning five Grammys, is known for his high-intensity performances and intricate lyricism. While he remains private about much of his fitness routine, one thing we do know is that running plays a key role in his physical and mental preparation. In a conversation with fellow artist SZA for Harper’s Bazaar, Lamar revealed that early-morning runs are an essential part of his daily routine.

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

How Running Helped Kendrick Lamar Deliver an Iconic Super Bowl Performance

Running offers several benefits that likely enhanced Lamar’s Super Bowl performance. One of the biggest advantages is improved breath control, which is critical for sustaining vocal power while rapping and moving on stage. Lindsey Clayton, a certified group fitness trainer and run coach, explains that consistent running builds cardiovascular endurance, increasing oxygen consumption over time. “Cardio endurance and oxygen consumption will increase if you run regularly,” she says. “Long, steady-state runs—like Lamar’s daily three-to-four-mile routine—can help build stamina necessary for a high-energy performance.”

Beyond cardio, strength training is also an essential part of a performer’s regimen. Strength training enhances power and agility, allowing muscles to handle the physical demands of dancing and moving around a massive stage. Given Lamar’s rigorous performances, he likely incorporated some level of resistance training into his fitness routine.

The Mental Benefits of Running for Performance

Lamar has spoken about how running is not just a physical practice, but also a spiritual one. This aspect of his training was crucial for managing the mental pressures of performing on the world’s biggest stage. James McMillian, NASM-CPT and Director of Innovation at Tone House, highlights the mental clarity and stress relief that running provides. “Regular exercise is a powerful stress reducer, as it releases endorphins that decrease anxiety and elevate mood, making performers feel more relaxed and confident,” McMillian says.

For artists like Lamar, who deliver deeply personal and emotionally charged performances, the ability to stay mentally focused is just as important as physical endurance. Running can act as a “moving meditation,” allowing him to center himself and mentally prepare for the show ahead. “Movement can help you get yourself out of your head and into your body,” Clayton adds. “Even if you’re a superstar who performs all the time, nerves can still be present. Running helps redirect focus to breath control and staying grounded.”

Running While Singing: A Performer’s Secret Weapon

Beyoncé has incorporated singing into her intense training sessions to improve her vocal endurance—something that could be beneficial for Lamar as well. Clayton, who used to be a performer, says singing while running can enhance stamina and make live performances feel easier. “It’s going to feel terrible in the moment, but the body’s ability to endure and not feel gassed at the end will improve over time,” she explains.

McMillian agrees, noting that “running while singing during warm-up exercises prepares the voice and helps prevent strain.” Many vocalists use this technique to mimic the demands of a real performance, ensuring they can maintain strong vocals while moving across the stage.

How Lamar’s Training Paid Off on Super Bowl Sunday

With the Super Bowl halftime show being one of the most physically demanding performances an artist can undertake, Lamar’s commitment to running was a key part of his preparation. The combination of cardio, strength, and mental resilience training proved crucial in delivering an unforgettable show.

Additionally, Lamar’s focus on spirituality through running contributed to a performance that was both physically intense and emotionally profound. Fans witnessed a high-energy, deeply introspective set that showcased his lyrical prowess and commanding stage presence.

Now that Super Bowl LIX has come and gone, Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show will be remembered as one of the greats. His dedication to both his craft and his fitness routine ensured that he could captivate millions, solidifying his place among the most iconic halftime performers of all time.