September 18, 2025


Dissents Don't Skip Leg Day: Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Commitment to Fitness

In the bustling corridors of power, where legal minds wrestle over the fabric of American law, one figure stood out not just for her intellectual vigor but also for her physical resilience. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, even in her final days, never missed a beat — or a workout. In a revealing moment from her last interview on August 5, 2014, with historian Maeva Marcus for the Historical Society of the District of Columbia Circuit, Ginsburg's dedication to her fitness routine was palpable. She concluded the interview with a forward-looking note, “[W]e made it and there’s still time for me to do a few things before meeting with my trainer.”

This interview, part of an eight-session series capturing Ginsburg’s personal and professional journey, was recently released by the ABA Women Trailblazers Project on the fifth anniversary of her passing. These sessions not only shed light on her storied career but also highlight her uncommon commitment to maintaining her health amidst the demands of her role on the Supreme Court.

Ginsburg's approach to fitness was no casual affair. It was a disciplined regimen, one that saw her working out regularly with a personal trainer, even as she navigated the complexities of her responsibilities. This routine was more than just about keeping fit; it was a testament to her determination, a parallel to her relentless pursuit of justice and equality.

Her workouts were not just routines; they were a statement. They reflected her belief in the power of resilience, both of the mind and the body. It's a powerful reminder of the holistic approach she took towards her life and work, understanding that to give her best, she needed to be her best — physically and mentally.

Justice Ginsburg's commitment to her fitness serves as an inspiration, proving that strength comes in many forms. Whether in delivering pointed dissents or in pushing through one more set at the gym, Ginsburg demonstrated time and again that age and occupation are no barriers to personal health and vigor.

As the legal community and admirers worldwide continue to explore and celebrate her extensive contributions, Ginsburg’s oral history and her fitness regimen stand as enduring parts of her legacy. They encapsulate a woman who moved with purpose, not just in the courtrooms, but in every step and every rep in the gym. Her life’s motto could very well be framed as: Dissents don’t skip leg day.