LeBron James has just become the first player in NBA history to reach 16,000 field goals and at 41 is proving that age is just a number when it comes to his recent performances with the Philadelphia 76ers. There’s no doubt that this basketball icon puts in the work, and a recent glimpse into his workouts reveals that mobility and reaction work is keeping him sharp.
“LeBron James putting in the work,” read the caption on a recent post shared by the NBA’s official Instagram account, alongside a video that provided the blueprint for any aspiring basketball player. The video was posted less than a week before James’ regular season debut for the Sixers and showed the work that this dedicated athlete still puts in behind the scenes, in order to dominate on the court.
How Does LeBron James Train for Longevity, Core Strength, and Mobility?
The workout showed that James gets to grips with the kettlebell to stretch his obliques and strengthen his core, while also combining movements for mobility. For example, James picks up a pair of dumbbells and starts out with a shoulder press, but then brings the dumbbells together at the top, and slowly lowers them for a downward elbow squeeze. This combination builds LeBron’s upper body with added time under tension, with the arm rotation being a great way to work on mobility. He even adds a rear-delt fly at the end of the rep to further tax his shoulders and chest.
Of course, LeBron is never too far away from a basketball, and in the gym, the four-time NBA champion works on his reaction times by having a partner throw the ball to his side, while kneeling on a bench. This drill removes “King James’” lower body from the equation and forces him to balance on the bench while turning to the side and catching the ball with one hand, then returning it right back in one swift movement. Studies show that when athletes work on reaction times away from their chosen sport, their game benefits from improved cognitive performance. And, we already know that this drill has translated to further points on the court. For his lower body, James sits into dumbbell weighted squats and undertakes further drills to build his explosive power and stopping abilities.
With the Philadelphia Sixers currently leading the Western Conference, and LeBron James now in his record-extending 24th season, the basketball icon appears to be just as hungry as ever. “I didn’t leave my family (in Los Angeles) to lose in the second round. I know that for sure,” commented the player before this season began. “Work needs to be done and I’m ready to get to work.”
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