John Mellencamp Reveals Unique Workout Routine Ahead of Upcoming Tour

The rocker is taking an unconventional approach to getting in shape for his Dancing Words Tour — The Greatest Hits.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:07pm

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John Mellencamp recently shared a video on Instagram of himself working out on a treadmill while smoking a cigarette, as he prepares for his upcoming Dancing Words Tour — The Greatest Hits. The tour is set to feature a setlist filled with Mellencamp's biggest hits, as well as some lesser-played fan favorites.

Why it matters

Mellencamp's unique workout routine has raised some eyebrows, as smoking is generally considered detrimental to physical fitness. However, the 74-year-old rocker seems confident that his unorthodox approach will have him ready to perform his energetic catalog of hits for fans across the country.

The details

In the video, Mellencamp can be seen puffing away on a cigarette as he tells the camera, 'I'm gonna play 2 1/2 hours of nothing but hits so I thought I better get in shape, you know what I mean?' The Dancing Words Tour — The Greatest Hits is set to kick off on July 10 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and wrap up on August 12 in Mountain View, California. Mellencamp has promised a setlist filled with classics like 'Jack and Diane,' 'Hurts So Good,' 'Small Town,' and 'Pink Houses,' as well as some deep cuts he hasn't performed live in nearly a decade.

  • The Dancing Words Tour — The Greatest Hits kicks off on July 10, 2026 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
  • The tour wraps up on August 12, 2026 in Mountain View, California.

The players

John Mellencamp

A 74-year-old American singer-songwriter and musician known for hits like 'Jack and Diane,' 'Hurts So Good,' and 'Small Town'.

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What they’re saying

“I'm gonna play 2 1/2 hours of nothing but hits so I thought I better get in shape, you know what I mean?”

— John Mellencamp (Instagram)

What’s next

Fans will have to wait and see if Mellencamp's unique workout routine pays off when the Dancing Words Tour — The Greatest Hits kicks off in July.

The takeaway

While Mellencamp's cigarette-fueled treadmill workout may raise some eyebrows, the veteran rocker seems determined to give his fans an energetic and hit-filled performance on his upcoming tour, proving that sometimes unconventional methods are necessary to keep up with the demands of life on the road.