With the NBA playoffs happening as we speak (go Bucks!), it seems only fitting that we take a look at how these players train on and off the court. It’s no secret that NBA players are incredible athletes that train year-round, but just what is it that they’re doing? You may be surprised to learn that some of these players’ go-to workouts are actually quite common.

Only four teams remain in the 2019 NBA playoffs: the Milwaukee Bucks, the Toronto Raptors, the Golden State Warriors, and the Portland Trail Blazers. No matter who you’re rooting for, you have to admit that some of the best players in the NBA are still fighting for that ring. Let’s take a look at some of these NBA phenom’s go-to training methods:

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks: Boxing

If you’re looking to gain about 20 lbs of muscle in a time span of 12-months, you might want to pay close attention to Giannis’s training regimen. Antetokounmpo weighed in at 222 pounds at the start of the 2017-2018 season. At the start of the 2018-2019 season, he weighed in at 242, meaning he gained 20 lbs of muscle in the span of a year. That extra 20 pounds of muscle has proven effective, allowing Giannis to take the ball to the hoop on any possession, no matter who stands between him and the rim.

During the off season of 2018, Giannis was clearly busy bulking up. It’s pretty clear that he spent quite a bit of time in the weight room with his brothers (#Antetokounbros). He also took a liking to boxing! Bleacher Report NBA released a video on twitter of Antetokounmpo sparring with his coach. All I can say is that I’d rather go a round with Floyd Money Mayweather than get in the ring with the 6’11”, newly muscled up Greek Freak. #BucksInFour

Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors: Zumba Classes

To one’s surprise, the Warriors have found their way into the penultimate round of the 2019 NBA playoffs. It’s obvious that Steph can shoot, no one will argue this. What other parts of his game does Steph Curry train, though?

For one, a big part of Steph’s game is his footwork. During the off-season, Curry has been known to take weekly Zumba classes to work on his footwork! Not only is Zumba a great cardio workout, but it also forces you to learn the movements and perform them fluidly.

Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors: Pilates

A few seasons back, Lowry stunned the NBA world by dropping some lbs. How did he do it? It was all about switching up his training routine. Lowry used to lift 5 days a week. His new routine is as follows: 3 days of lifting, 2 days of cardio, 1 day of conditioning, and 1 day of recovery. His go-to cardio? Extreme Pilates.

Pilates alone includes a lot of strengthening, extreme Pilates, however? No AC. That’s right. Kyle Lowry likes it HOT, and that’s how he shed the pounds.

Damien Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers: Stability Training

Dame is one of the best point guards in the league, and his off-season training regimen is what allows him to shine when the lights come on.

His go-to in the off-season includes a lot of core work, and a lot of work using a basketball. Not shooting or dribbling, though. D Lillard uses a basketball as a prop in the weight room, to increase strength while also performing movements that will translate directly on the court.

While we can’t all be NBA legends, we can train like one! Sure, most of us aren’t going to hit the weights five days a week, get in the gym and throw up 300 shots 7 days a week, and run conditioning drills twice a week. What we can do, though, is take a Zumba class once a week, try Pilates, and ride 10 miles on the stationary bike!

In the second half of this blog series, we’ll be diving into the diets of these phenomenal athletes to see what they’re eating in and out of season.

In the meantime, why don’t you come into the gym, warm up the Wellbeats Class Kiosk, and try out your own Zumba footwork training? Anytime Fitness offers several in-house, trainer led classes, as well as a 24-7 kiosk with classes on-demand. We also have personal trainers on staff that can help you get the results you’re looking for. Call today to schedule a tour or a meeting with one of our trainers (262) 248-2422.