The amount of workload LeBron James takes, even at 41, requires recovery sessions to keep the Lakers star in playing condition. James relies on a rigorous recovery regimen to maintain his health during his 21st NBA season.

Netflix got a chance to follow the MVP for the docuseries Starting 5 and check out what helps James recover after a grueling training session.

"We do cryotherapy, cold tub, hot tub, red light, and Hyperbaric chambers," James said while talking to Netflix Sports about his recovery methods.

Besides the above-mentioned processes, the 4x NBA Champion believes that sleep is the best form of recovery. Although he admits that he himself is not able to get a full night's sleep every night, he believes that proper sleep is the best way to "get back to 100%."

In 2016, it was reported that the 41-year-old spends around $1.5 million on his body each year, and finally, he broke the silence, but didn't fully answer the question.

"I've heard this crazy notion about how much money I spend on my body per year. And, uh, I kinda just chuckle. That is a number that I will not disclose. But more importantly, I think it's just the time."

However, James is far from being the only one investing so much in his recovery, as the process is a part and parcel of almost every athlete's lifestyle.

Why Do Athletes Need a Recovery Process?

According to Mass General Brigham recovery specialist Brian George, the benefits of cryotherapy include hormone regulation, nervous system management, psychological health, and reducing post-training distress.

Cold plunges, on the other hand, cause abnormalities in the muscle fibers, which lead to stronger muscles. Some benefits include improved focus, reduced stress, better sleep, and an immunity boost.

Hot tubs give similar benefits by increasing blood circulation to stressed muscles. The oxygen repairs the muscles by removing lactic acid that causes soreness and fatigue.

Besides the already-mentioned benefits, red light reduces muscle stress caused by exercise and boosts energy metabolism and ATP synthesis. It reduces the risk of oxidative stress.

Hyperbaric Chambers are also a great way to recover from a strenuous training routine. It requires a person to sit in a pressurized chamber and breathe pure oxygen. Although James' wife, Savannah, is particularly not a fan, as she thinks, 'it gives coffin.'

Besides James, many top athletes like NFL legend Tom Brady, MMA stars Gina Carano and Georges St-Pierre, are known for using the chamber for their recovery process.

We already saw the recovery routine, but let's check out the training routine that requires such an elite recovery process. In his younger days, the training was much more intense, but now, in his forties, it has toned down a little and includes:

• Spider-Man Crawl (1 set of 10 to 12 reps)

Cardiovascular Warmup

• Versa Climber (3 sets of 30 seconds each) 

15 to 20 second rest

Strength Training

• Inverted Row (3 sets of 8 to 10 reps)
• Landmine Rotational Press (3 sets of 8 to 12 reps per side)
• Multi-Planar Lunge (3 sets of 3 rounds per leg)
• Cable Lateral Chop (3 sets of 10 reps per side)

So, now that you have learnt about so many recovery methods, will you add a few easy ones to your routine?

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Written by

Ruwa Javed

Edited by

Souvik Roy