Travis Barker Shares Fitness Secrets and Recovery Journey After Plane Crash
One of the most iconic musicians of his generation, the Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker is known for his incredible stamina and ferocious power. Now, the founder of Barker Wellness exclusively tells Men's Journal about how he stays in such incredible shape as his company's Mushroom Adaptogen Gummies launch on Target.com. He also explains the determination that helped him to recover from the injuries he suffered after surviving a plane crash in 2008.
The Mindset That Keeps Travis Barker Training at 50
Men's Journal: Do you have one workout/diet type that you swear by that you would like to share with people who want to improve their health?
Travis Barker: Consistency and discipline, that's the key to being healthy and feeling good. Just showing up every day in any way, even if it's small.
Men's Journal: If someone wanted to train like Travis Barker for one week, what would that look like, and what's the one thing they absolutely shouldn't skip?
Travis Barker: Drumming, running, jump rope, boxing, battle ropes, and just challenging yourself in general. The one thing you can't skip is resistance training and weights.
Men's Journal: What advice would you give to someone in their 40s or 50s who feels like it's "too late" to get serious about fitness and overhaul their habits?
Travis Barker: It's never too late, start today (also the best Gorilla Biscuits song). Health is wealth.
Men's Journal: You've been vegan for years and credit it with transforming your health. What's one piece of advice you'd give to guys looking to make a major dietary or lifestyle change later in life?
Travis Barker: Just commit to it. Don't overthink it. Once you get into it, it becomes your normal. Once you switch to a healthier lifestyle, you'll reap the benefits. For me, switching to a plant-based diet increased my stamina substantially and my energy during live shows. I can't imagine going backwards from here.
Men's Journal: Between drumming, running, boxing, and staying active on tour, how do you balance intense physical demands with recovery and avoiding burnout?
Travis Barker: Eating right, taking my supplements, and contrast therapy.
Men's Journal: As you hit 50, you've said you feel healthier and happier than ever. What's one thing about this stage of life that has surprised you the most in a positive way?
Travis Barker: Just eating right and consistent exercise has me feeling half my age.
Men's Journal: Running became a big part of your healing journey after the crash. You recently dealt with a tibia injury while training for the LA Marathon. What kept you motivated through that setback, and how do you approach fitness challenges now at 50?
Travis Barker: Positive mental attitude. While I was injured, I still rode my assault bike for hours a day and did resistance training while I was healing.
Men's Journal: What surprised you most about adding serious running to your routine, and how has it affected your energy on tour?
Travis Barker: Running became my breakfast, 3-5 miles a day, regardless of what was going on or where I was. Drumming and running go hand in hand for me.
Men's Journal: What's the single biggest dietary change that transformed how you feel and perform?
Travis Barker: Going vegan changed everything for me. I noticed the change immediately.
Men's Journal: Staying vegan and gluten-free on the road with a rock band doesn't seem easy. What's your go-to strategy or meal hack when options are limited?
Travis Barker: In case of emergency, rice cake with almond butter, avocado and pumpkin seeds.
Men's Journal: Drumming is obviously intense cardio for you. Do you ever count a long Blink-182 set or practice session as your full workout for the day? How has playing drums changed the way you train offstage?
Travis Barker: I always run 3-5 miles before a show. I learned explosive, fast, twitch workouts are best for me to keep my speed and endurance.
How Travis Barker Turned Fitness Into Recovery
Men's Journal: After surviving the 2008 plane crash, how did fitness and movement become part of your healing process, both physically and mentally?
Travis Barker: Everything the doctors told me I couldn't do, I checked off one by one. I never took ‘no' for an answer. I played drums, worked out, and stayed active every day throughout my recovery. Getting sober taught me to replace my bad habits with exercise, and it ended up being one of the best decisions I ever made.
Next: Travis Barker Shares One Wellness Habit He Swears by as His Gummies Hit Target (Exclusive)
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 29, 2026 at 12:16 PM.