Al Roker, the legendary weatherman and long-time staple of NBC’s Today show, is opening up about his lifelong journey with health and wellness. 

At 70, Roker remains a source of motivation for many, and now, 

he is taking on a new role as the Chief Motivation Officer for the Today show’s Start Today fitness app, set to launch on Monday, January 6.

The concept behind the Start Today app aligns perfectly with Roker’s own philosophy on health and self-improvement. 

He emphasizes that sustainable progress is built on small, daily decisions rather than drastic changes. 

“It’s about the smaller choices that you make every day that add up to the big things,” Roker told PEOPLE. 

“I think part of the mindset for folks who struggle with weight or any issue is that something happens, and they think, ‘Well, I’ve blown that,’ and then they completely fall off track. But that’s not the end of the world. You just need to say, ‘Okay, let’s start today and begin again.’”

Overcoming Health Challenges

Roker’s insights into health and wellness are not just theoretical—he has lived through significant medical challenges. In 2022, he was hospitalized due to life-threatening blood clots and internal bleeding, a frightening experience that reinforced the importance of prioritizing his health. He is also a prostate cancer survivor, having been diagnosed in 2020. Additionally, in 2002, he underwent gastric bypass surgery, a decision that profoundly impacted his weight and overall well-being.

Reflecting on his struggles with weight, Roker admitted that maintaining a healthy lifestyle has been a lifelong battle. “To be honest, I struggled with my weight for most of my adult life,” he said. “My dad had gotten very ill, and toward the end, he made me promise that I was going to get in shape. He told me, ‘Look, we both know I’m not going to be here to help you raise your kids. You’ve got to be here for your children.’”

That conversation was a turning point for Roker. It was a deeply personal reminder of his responsibility not only to himself but to his family. With that motivation, he made the decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery, a move that led to significant weight loss and a new approach to health.

A Journey of Continuous Effort

Although Roker has managed to maintain his weight since the surgery, he is the first to acknowledge that wellness is an ongoing process. “Everybody comes to their moment in their own way and in their own time,” he noted. “I’ve had moments where I’ve gained weight back, and I’ve had to recalibrate. What’s important is understanding that setbacks happen, but they don’t define you.”

His candidness about his struggles resonates with many people who are on similar journeys. He wants others to know that health is not about perfection but persistence. “What I’ve learned is that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one person might not work for another. The key is to keep moving forward, making choices that support your well-being, and understanding that every day is a new chance to start again.”

A New Chapter with Start Today

With the launch of the Start Today fitness app, Roker hopes to inspire others to take control of their health by making small, sustainable choices. The app is designed to provide users with accessible fitness routines, nutritional guidance, and motivational tools to help them stay on track. As the Chief Motivation Officer, Roker will be a guiding force, sharing his own experiences and encouraging users to stay committed to their goals.

“I love this idea because it’s not about drastic changes or quick fixes,” he explained. “It’s about realistic, everyday habits that lead to long-term success. If I can help even one person feel inspired to make a positive change, then it’s all worth it.”

Roker’s journey serves as a testament to resilience and the power of making mindful choices. His story is one of perseverance, transformation, and a commitment to lifelong wellness. With Start Today, he hopes to pass on the lessons he has learned and encourage others to take control of their own health—one small step at a time.

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