New photos released by the Kremlin today show Russian President Vladimir Putin and PM m8 Dmitry Medvedev working-out at the former’s in-house gym at his summer residence, Bocharov Ruchei in Sochi, Russia.
The amusing set contains images of the two seniors-of-state pumping iron, exchanging fitness tips, trying to out-ego each while working the grill, clinking cups of tea, and strolling the grounds of the large property in their form-fitting trackies.
Exhibit A.
The 62-year-old president is known for being something of a fitness devotee – much like our own PM, not that it’s a competition or anything.
Putin has, in the past, famously been pictured without a shirt engaging in various physical pursuits like horse riding, hunting and doing the butterfly in Siberian lakes.
Exhibit B.
Exhibit C.
This time, Prez Putin remained for the most part, covered, ‘cept for his bulging biceps. Pow WOW. His famous torso hidden behind only a thin, tight white t-shirt.
The photo-op comes as Putin’s approval ratings slumped a relatively minuscule 4%, down from 76% in May to 72% in August. It’s hoped that the photos will increase Putin’s popularity as a masculine and strong figurehead amidst rising economic pressures and the decline of the Russian ruble which has halved in value since last year.
If you’re even vaguely interested in how to get a bod like Putin’s, here’s the workout in full motion –
One for the archives. File under ‘Russian Fitspo’.
Images via Getty.
