Gordon Ramsay explains why he signed his twins up for a marathon as a birthday gift when they turned 18

• Gordon Ramsay gifted his twins, Holly and Jack, marathon entries for their 18th birthday in 2018.
• Ramsay, 57, also says he tries to sign up for at least two fitness events every year.
• "I find training relaxing because it just gets me out of that fast lane," the celebrity chef said.

Gordon Ramsay had an unconventional choice of gift for his kids, twins Holly and Jack, when they turned 18 in 2018.

In an interview with Men's Health UK published on September 6, the celebrity chef spoke about his love of working out and how his fitness habits have influenced his family.

"While a lot of our friends buy their kids cars and fucking iPads, we got our kids marathon places for their 18th birthday. You're running the marathon for Great Ormond Street. Here's your bib. Now move your arse," Ramsay told Men's Health UK.

He also tries to sign himself up for at least two fitness events every year, be it "an Ironman, a marathon, just something," he said.

"I think about the pace I work and the responsibilities I take on," Ramsay said. "Then I think about the drive that I have; fitness is the foundation. You're on your own, up a mountain, on a bike, trail, run, swim. I find training relaxing because it just gets me out of that fast lane."

His fitness habits have also influenced his wife, Tana, who completed her first Ironman 70.3 in 2015.

The couple, who have been married since 1996, have six children together : Megan, Holly, Jack, Tilly, Oscar, and Jesse, who was born in 2023 .

Research has shown that running has both mental and physical benefits. It can help reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health, and even alleviate symptoms of depression.

For those who don't have time to exercise every day, research suggests that those who work out once or twice a week can still enjoy the same health benefits as long as they do a total of 150 minutes of exercise a week.

A representative for Ramsay did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider, sent outside business hours.