“It's really important to have a good balance,” Sabrina Ionescu told Women’s Health.

At just 28, Sabrina Ionescu has carved out a historic legacy: owning a WNBA-record 26 triple-doubles and becoming the first NCAA player, men or women, to cross 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 1,000 assists.

A true phenomenon, rather than rigid rules, her success is rooted in balance, adaptability, and listening to her body. So what’s her secret? Let’s break down her workouts.

Sabrina Ionescu Stays Inside the Gym and the Court

“A lot of the time, Wednesdays are really low days,” she says. Ionescu explained that taking it slow on certain days allows her to push harder later in the week. Instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all routine, Ionescu adjusts her training based on what her body needs.

She structures her workouts to focus on something different each day. “Adding a little bit of change helps keep you on your toes,” she said.

Repetition isn’t the goal. Instead, her routine blends skill work, strength training, and recovery-focused sessions.

“You can work on the things that you want to improve on the court, and you can do it in a more controlled way,” she explained. Basketball training moves fast, that’s why she dedicates a large portion of her time in the gym to slow her down and focus on specific movements.

With such a strict workout routine, Ionescu isn’t overly rigid about her diet.

Sabrina’s Focus on Diet Is a Bit Different

“I don't try to be very religious about those types of things,” she says. “As athletes, you start to be so hyper-focused that it's hard to break out of those constant routines of eating and fueling.”

Yes, her workouts might sound too stiff, but she doesn’t let herself feel trapped by those things. For her, the purpose and intent behind her food choices are everything. But that doesn’t mean that she stays away from treating herself with some indulgences.

She says, enjoying the dessert of your favourite snacks, “is not something that you have to beat yourself up about.” Rather, intention matters more than restriction. She believes enjoying dessert or favorite snacks is part of maintaining a healthy relationship with food.

Hydration is also a priority for her. “I love turmeric shots and green juices,” she says. “A lot of things that are in juices are really beneficial, and I enjoy drinking them as well.”

As she anchors the New York Liberty and her status in women’s basketball circles, Ionescu’s regimen embodies consistency without burning out.

What would you integrate from her routine into your own? Although, would you is a more relevant question.

Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Joyita Das