Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick’s 8-Part Longevity Routine: Sleep, Strength, and No Peptides

Strauss Zelnick, the 66-year-old CEO of Take-Two Interactive—the company behind blockbuster video game franchises like Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption—has revealed an eight-part daily routine he credits for his shredded physique and sharp business decisions. Zelnick, who also founded the private equity firm ZMC, emphasizes that sleep is the cornerstone of his regimen, calling it critical for effective leadership. He prioritizes seven to eight hours of quality rest each night, arguing that no amount of exercise or nutrition can compensate for chronic sleep deprivation when it comes to cognitive performance and emotional regulation. Beyond sleep, Zelnick’s routine includes a disciplined mix of strength training, cardiovascular exercise, and a carefully managed diet. He works out six days a week, alternating between weightlifting and high-intensity interval training, and follows a low-sugar, high-protein eating plan. Notably, the executive avoids trendy biohacking shortcuts—especially peptides and other performance-enhancing substances—preferring natural methods to maintain his health and energy levels. This stance reflects a broader skepticism of unproven longevity fads among high-performing executives. Zelnick’s approach matters because it challenges the myth that corporate success requires sacrificing personal health. By publicly sharing his routine, he offers a blueprint for professionals seeking sustainable high performance without pharmaceutical interventions. His consistency over decades—he has maintained a similar fitness philosophy since his 30s—demonstrates that longevity is a long game. As the gaming industry faces increasing demands on leadership, Zelnick’s example suggests that the best power-up might be a good night’s sleep.