The rocker was beset by a series of health problems last year. He had an appendectomy and then shortly afterwards suffered a brain haemorrhage and warning stroke. He underwent extensive rehab to get better, but then discovered he needed heart surgery.
Despite his health issues, Bret has continued to work hard. He has completed solo shows and also toured with his band Poison, explaining the key is to exercise regularly so he stays as healthy as possible.
“It’s not been a joyride for me,” he told Star magazine. “Strength training is key so I can keep up my energy on stage, so I literally bring my gym with me. I have my own gym that we carry behind the tour bus.”
Although he enjoys gym training, Bret also loves keeping fit in other ways. Wherever possible he goes bike riding and walking, and makes sure he does sit ups every day to keep his stomach muscles in shape.
“I go mountain biking [and] running. Whenever I can get off the bus, I take full advantage,” he explained. “I do sit-ups, a lot of sit-ups.”
Bret was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was six. The 48-year-old watches what he eats to help manage his illness, saying the important thing is not to dwell on health issues.
“As a lifelong diabetic, every day is a battle. You have to accept that you have diabetes because it is the card you’ve been dealt,” he said.
“I work to enjoy my life like a regular human being while keeping my blood sugar levels as decent as possible. It’s a fine line, a catch-22, a balancing act.”
