Alex Rodriguez may have admitted that he lost his way and his “health took a bit of a back seat” following his retirement from the MLB. But that was never the case for his BFF-turned-frenemy-turned-friend Derek Jeter. While A-Rod had only recently renewed his commitment to fitness, his former Yankees teammate has kept up with almost every wellness trend these past few years. But the same can’t be said for his wife.
This isn’t speculation; it’s something Jeter pointed out during a weekend at the luxurious Baha Mar resort in the Caribbean, where he had a reunion with his former Yankees teammates – Jorge Posada, Nick Swisher, and CC Sabathia. The occasion? The Derek Jeter Invitational golf tournament, all in support of his Turn 2 Foundation.
While the event was all about golf, Jeter’s new routine wasn’t about hitting the links or the sport. “I don’t play much. I didn’t play during my career. When I first retired, I became addicted to it,” the baseball champ told reporters. After dedicating two decades of his life to the Yankees, he finally had all the time he could hope for to grow his foundation following his retirement in 2014. And, well, he’s following Turn 2’s motto to the tee.
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Alongside his sister Sharlee Jeter, who’s the president of Turn 2, the foundation “is focused on helping youth “Turn 2” healthy lifestyles.” As the Jeter siblings work toward achieving that, the former baseball player also revealed all that he’s doing now to lead a healthier lifestyle. These days, he’s more focused on school drop-offs and pickups for his kids, taking a break from sports to spend quality time with his family. But there’s one passion he still makes time for: cold plunges!
Jeter isn’t new to cold water, though. The star shortstop mentioned, “During my career, I used to get in the cold tank after games from the waist down. Never went neck down.” But it seems like just a week ago, he was able to overcome that, too. Going neck-deep was new for him, so how did it feel? The 50-year-old remarked, “It’s torturous at first, but I think I’m good at it now.” And get this—he does it at 6 AM. Now that’s dedication!
The routine usually clocks in at about three minutes. But when it comes to family involvement, Jeter laughed, saying, “My wife Hannah can’t do it.” And honestly, who could blame Hannah Davis for this? Not everyone is keen on diving into a freezing-cold plunge, but the Hall of Famer is consistently dedicated to his fitness journey. That’s not to say that his wife isn’t. Maybe it’s just that she felt the same way Sharlee Jeter felt after her first cold plunge.
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In the same interview with Yahoo, Sharlee said, “I did it once. It’s painful. You do it, but then afterward, it’s like, ‘I’ve never felt that way before!'” In response to her remark, Derek chipped in: “It’s one of those things, like working out. Some people like working out. I hate working out, but I feel good when I’m finished.” Interestingly, this was similar to something his wife said in a 2015 interview.
In a conversation with The Cut following her cover shoot for Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue, the model explained, “I hate the gym, like most people. But it’s one of those things where you feel good when it’s over… I do the elliptical and lift weights on it for about 40 minutes, trying not to fall off… I’m just trying to get it done as quickly as possible.” While she doesn’t have a particularly amicable relationship with the gym, she sure loves walking. So, she always has a pair of running shoes with her, just as her husband carries a jump rope at all times.
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“I actually first incorporated a jump rope into my daily workouts after I broke my ankle back when I was still playing baseball, and I’ve continued ever since. It’s great for concentration and coordination, and you can do it anywhere,” Derek Jeter once said. Fitness is a huge part of his daily life, and it’s evident in his business ventures. Did you know he even owns his own gym chain? Plus, he often raises awareness among young people about the importance of staying fit.
Derek Jeter’s dedication to fitness
Derek Jeter has his special edition 24 Hour Fitness gym in Manhattan. His love for fitness didn’t start in the Major Leagues; the first time he got in the weight room was with the Yankees in the minor leagues. It’s been quite a long time now, and from the experience, he has one insight too. Jeter believes legs are the most essential muscle group in sports. So, if you’re looking to tweak your gym routine, you know exactly what to prioritize.
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Even though Derek hung up his glove and bat almost a decade ago, the New York Yankees icon continues to inspire a new generation of athletes and devoted baseball fans. Whether it’s through interviews or through commercials for Gatorade and Nike, Jeter’s presence is everywhere. Plus, who could forget the documentary “The Captain,” which revolves around his legendary career and life? And if you think his gym is the only fitness venture, you will be wrong. Jeter has launched a sustainably focused high-performance sports and athletic wear brand called Greatness Wins.
But will the Yankees legend only be seen in business roles and podcasts now after stepping back from the sports scene? His time with the Miami Marlins may not have gone as planned, but it certainly inspired players like Bryce Harper. Sure, he’s taking a break, but let’s be real: Derek Jeter has also said, “never say never!” So, what do you think could be his next venture? Drop your takes in the comments below.
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Derek Jeter vs. Hannah: Who's right about fitness trends? Share your thoughts!