Country music superstar Kenny Chesney is no stranger to packed stadiums, marathon tours, and decades-long success but behind the scenes, staying healthy enough to keep up with that demanding lifestyle has led him down an unconventional path.
In a candid and often humorous conversation on Rob Lowe’s “Literally!” podcast, Chesney revealed that his approach to wellness includes what he jokingly refers to as “a lot of witchcraft stuff” done in the name of longevity, recovery, and feeling his best both on and off the stage.
From cold plunges and heat therapy to IV treatments and plasma exchange, the 57-year-old singer has embraced a modern, science-forward (and sometimes controversial) approach to health that reflects a broader trend among elite performers and athletes.
“Cold Plunge, Heat and Ice Inside Chesney’s Routine
While discussing his personal sauna setup and intermittent use of infrared heat therapy, Chesney surprised listeners with just how far he goes to maintain his physical well-being.
“Cold plunge, heat and ice,” he explained. “I do a lot of IV stuff. I do plasma exchange.”
The phrase immediately caught Lowe’s attention, prompting laughter and curiosity from both host and listeners. Chesney, never one to take himself too seriously, leaned into the moment, describing his regimen with a sense of self-aware humor.
“It’s really intense,” he admitted, “but you feel fantastic.”
Lowe jokingly suggested that Chesney should turn the practice into a branded business venture, riffing on the idea of celebrity-endorsed medical treatments.
“I’ve got my homework,” Lowe quipped. “Kenny Chesney’s plasma exchange. ‘Hi, I’m Kenny Chesney get your very own bag.’”
Chesney laughed along, responding simply: “It’s really great for you.”
What Is Plasma Exchange and Why Is Chesney Doing It?
Plasma exchange, also known as plasmapheresis, is a medical procedure in which blood is removed from the body, the plasma is separated and replaced with donor plasma or a protein-based solution, and the blood is then returned to the patient.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the treatment is most commonly used for serious medical conditions such as blood cancers, autoimmune disorders, and post-organ transplant care. In recent years, however, variations of plasma-related therapies have gained attention in wellness circles, often marketed as ways to reduce inflammation, remove toxins, or improve recovery.
While Chesney did not specify why he personally uses plasma exchange, his comments suggest it is part of a broader strategy to maintain peak performance amid the physical demands of touring, rehearsing, and performing night after night.
A Longstanding Commitment to Health and Giving Back
Chesney’s interest in blood-related health initiatives isn’t new. In 2015, he partnered with the Love Hope Strength Foundation’s Get on the List Campaign, using his tour as a platform to encourage fans to become potential bone marrow donors.
At select concerts, fans were invited to complete simple cheek swabs to determine whether they might be matches for patients in need of bone marrow transplants. The campaign ultimately led to 25 successful donor matches, a milestone Chesney described as deeply meaningful.
When the idea was first presented to him, he immediately saw it as an extension of the values he shares with his fan base known affectionately as the No Shoes Nation.
“It seemed not only so simple,” Chesney said at the time, “but the kind of thing the No Shoes Nation is all about—giving back to others, helping where you can, living to the fullest and making a difference.”
Wellness as a Tool for Longevity, Not Vanity
For Chesney, wellness has never been about aesthetics or chasing youth for its own sake. Instead, it’s about sustainability ensuring that he can continue to perform at a high level without burning out physically or mentally.
That mindset became especially clear as he entered his late 40s and early 50s, a period when many performers begin to reassess their habits.
In a 2016 interview with GQ, Chesney detailed a significant shift in his fitness routine, including the purchase of a manual treadmill, often referred to as a curved treadmill.
“There’s no plugging it in,” he explained. “Your body does the work and moves the belt. Walking on it is hard, much less sprinting.”
According to Chesney, the treadmill transformed his conditioning, pushing his endurance and cardiovascular fitness to new levels.
“Running on the Curve got me in better shape than I’ve ever been in,” he said.
Cutting Back on Beer Even on the Road
Perhaps more surprising than ice baths and plasma treatments was Chesney’s revelation that he also gave up drinking beer on tour, a notable move for an artist whose laid-back island persona has often been associated with beach bars and cold drinks.
Once he made the decision, Chesney said, there was no wavering.
“Once I make up my mind to do something, that’s what I’m gonna do,” he explained. “I have that mental makeup.”
He described being able to fully enjoy downtime whether relaxing on a boat or spending extended vacations before switching gears completely and returning to a disciplined routine when it was time to work.
That mental discipline, he suggested, is just as important as physical training.
A Broader Trend Among Performers and Athletes
Chesney’s “witchcraft” comment may have been tongue-in-cheek, but his wellness habits reflect a broader cultural shift. Cold plunges, infrared saunas, IV hydration therapy, and advanced recovery techniques have all surged in popularity among professional athletes, entertainers, and executives seeking to optimize performance.
While medical professionals caution that some treatments are not necessary or appropriate for everyone, Chesney’s approach underscores how elite performers increasingly view their bodies as instruments requiring constant care.
Touring musicians, in particular, face unique physical challenges: long travel days, inconsistent sleep, vocal strain, and the physical exertion of live performances. For Chesney, investing in recovery isn’t a luxury it’s part of the job.
Still Grounded Despite the Extreme Methods
Despite his willingness to experiment with advanced wellness techniques, Chesney remains characteristically grounded. His comments on Lowe’s podcast were delivered with humor rather than evangelism, and he stopped short of encouraging fans to follow in his footsteps.
Instead, his message seemed to be one of self-awareness: knowing what works for your body, committing fully to your choices, and finding balance between enjoyment and discipline.
That balance, he suggests, has allowed him to continue doing what he loves performing for fans around the world well into his fifth decade in the spotlight.
“It’s Really Great for You For Him, at Least
Whether it’s ice baths, plasma exchange, or giving up beer on tour, Kenny Chesney’s wellness philosophy reflects a deeply personal approach shaped by years of experience, trial, and adjustment.
He may jokingly call it “witchcraft,” but for Chesney, it’s simply about feeling good, staying healthy, and making sure he can keep showing up night after night for the music, the fans, and the life he’s built.