Let’s Talk About RFK Jr.’s Workout Pants
The Atlantic
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
RFK Jr.'s recent workout video has sparked confusion and intrigue online. The video, titled "Secretary Kennedy and Kid Rock’s Rock Out Work Out," features Robert F. Kennedy Jr. performing various exercises in a series of unusual settings while wearing blue jeans. From doing preacher curls in his jeans to riding an exercise bike in a sauna and soaking in a cold-plunge tub—all while still clad in denim—the video leaves viewers questioning why he chose such unconventional workout attire. Despite its bizarre nature, the video has gone viral, amassing over 13 million views and thousands of comments, with HHS not providing any official explanation.
Kennedy's penchant for wearing jeans during workouts is nothing new. His "jeans guy" persona dates back years, including appearances in fitness challenges and viral clips where he wears denim while lifting weights or exercising outdoors. This trend highlights a subculture within gym culture, where certain individuals opt to wear blue jeans despite the unconventional nature of such attire in a typical gym setting. These "jeans guys" often pair their denim with boots, T-shirts, or tank tops, and sometimes even incorporate gym-specific gear like lifting gloves or belts.
While some may view Kennedy's choice as eccentric, it reflects a long-standing archetype within fitness culture. The "jeans guy" is often seen as an outsider, someone who doesn't conform to traditional gym norms. This subculture has both critics and defenders; while Planet Fitness once banned denim, others argue that jeans guys simply add color and diversity to the gym environment. Kennedy's willingness to embrace this persona aligns with a broader cultural shift toward individuality and self-expression in fitness.
The significance of this trend extends beyond mere fashion choices. It speaks to how public figures can leverage quirky or unexpected behavior to capture attention, even if it’s just about their workout attire. For RFK Jr., embracing the "jeans guy" persona could be an attempt to connect with audiences on a more relatable
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Originally published on The Atlantic on 2/20/2026