How Kendrick Lamar Stays in Shape: Running, Burpees, and 150 Grams of Protein

Easily one of the most acclaimed artists in the world today, Kendrick Lamar earned the right to call himself the most nominated musician at the 2026 Grammy Awards. With all eyes on him, it is worth noting how he remains in top shape for his high-energy performances. The rapper can serve as inspiration to others who would like to undergo significant weight loss, as Lamar has.

Kendrick Lamar's Daily Running Ritual

While talking with SZA in October 2024 for Harper's Bazaar, Kendrick Lamar revealed that he goes for daily runs that last for miles. In addition to helping him stay in shape, Lamar also explained that the routine also allows him to feel connected to god as he pushes through the pain.

"I literally talk to God. Like, it’s to a point where I’ll be starting to think I’m going crazy. But then, He has to remind me, 'No, this is really me.' My early-morning practice is that I have to run. When I started running, that’s where I started to understand. There was this threshold of pain in the spirituality for me. 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 s**t that I want to know about. And next thing I’m three miles in, four miles in. I wake up and do that s**t every day."

Kendrick Lamar's 'Big Protein' Diet

In the Kendrick Lamar and Baby Keem song "The Hillbillies," Lamar rapped about his high-protein diet. "One-hundred and fifty grams of protein, Y'all gotta stop playin', bro." Before that, in October 2013, SZA also told Fader about Lamar's healthy diet. "So Kendrick eats really well. In his hospitality rider there’s always a full fruit plate, salad and like, maybe a bottle of Hennessy for the homies, but not for him."

The benefits of a high-protein diet have been the subject of a lot of discussion recently. That makes a lot of sense based on what an article from the University of Kansas Medical Center stated in February 2025 about how protein can help people lose weight.

"A high-protein diet promotes muscle maintenance and aids in weight loss by increasing satiety. Other benefits may include healthier blood sugar levels, bone health and metabolism and faster healing from injury. It also potentially lowers blood pressure, especially when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise."

The article went on to quote Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition at the University of Kansas Medical Center who explained how beneficial a high-protein diet can b.e "If you are trying to lose weight, you may want to ensure you are getting sufficient protein as diets rich in protein seem to have moderate beneficial effects on body weight management."

Kendrick Lamar's Workout Routine

In July 2023, it was learned that Kendrick Lamar had posted footage of himself working out on a burner Instagram account, @jojoruski. In one video, Lamar is seen performing modified burpees outdoors.

In February 2024, Ray Bass, a certified trainer from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, wrote about the benefits of burpees. "A burpee is a full-body movement that engages your upper, core, and lower-body muscles. So it does more for you than isolation exercises that target one muscle group at a time. Here are the top benefits of burpees." Bass went on to write that burpees build muscle strength, boost cardio fitness, support strong bones, and are convenient to perform at home or anywhere.