Source HT
MUMBAI – Delegates at the 2026 Global AI Summit were treated to an unexpected sight early this morning: French President Emmanuel Macron trading his signature navy suit for running gear. Macron was spotted taking a brisk 5-kilometer jog along Mumbai’s iconic Marine Drive, also known as the Queen’s Necklace, ahead of a high-stakes day of negotiations on international AI ethics.
Flanked by a lean security detail, the President appeared relaxed, waving to locals who were out for their own morning exercise. While Macron is known for his love of tennis and boxing, his choice to hit the pavement in the humidity of Mumbai underscores a growing trend among global leaders: using aerobic exercise to manage the mental “overload” of high-pressure summits.
The Heart of the Matter: Why Leaders (And You) Should Run
While the President’s jog was a PR masterclass in relatability, the health implications of his hobby are backed by rigorous science. Running isn’t just about burning calories; it is one of the most effective ways to “biohack” your cardiovascular system.
Here are four amazing benefits of running for your heart:
Strengthens the Cardiac Muscle: Much like your biceps, the heart is a muscle. Running increases the heart’s stroke volume, meaning it becomes more efficient at pumping blood with every beat. This leads to a lower resting heart rate—a classic sign of an “athletic heart.”
Slashes Blood Pressure: Regular running keeps your arteries flexible and clear. By improving the elasticity of the blood vessels, running helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels, significantly reducing the risk of hypertension and stroke.
Optimizes Cholesterol Profiles: Running is a powerful tool for raising HDL (good) cholesterol while simultaneously helping to manage and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides.
Reduces Chronic Inflammation: Modern stress (like debating AI policy) can lead to arterial inflammation. Aerobic exercise releases anti-inflammatory markers that protect the lining of the heart and vessels from long-term damage.
A “Smart” Start to the Summit
As Macron prepares to meet with tech CEOs and world leaders later today, he likely has a physiological edge. Studies show that the increased blood flow to the brain during a run improves executive function and decision-making—two things in high demand at an AI summit.
Whether it’s a coastal road in Mumbai or a park in Paris, the message is clear: the best way to lead is to keep the heart moving.
