Whatever LeBron James does to stay physically and mentally strong in his 22nd year N.B.A The season is working – and people are taking note. In a new one Netflix documentation, From 5, Commenting on the lives of five of the league’s dominant figures in the 2023/24 season, reporters noted that the now 39-year-old, four-time NBA champion is getting better with age.
“At this point I’m surprised at myself,” James says in the series. “I’m not tired… I think my commitment to my work is a big reason why I can still play at this level.”
In 2016, it was reported that the NBA star spends $1.5 million on his body every year, according to Bill Simmons, who spoke to a confidant and shared this on his podcast. James addressed the statement directly in the documentary and neither confirmed nor denied the investment.
“I heard this crazy idea about how much money I spend on my body every year. I just giggle. “That’s a number I won’t reveal, but more importantly, I think it’s exactly the right time,” says James, who attributes his long career to his dedication and time dedicated to his rigorous biohacking routine.
“He pushes the boundaries of what is considered a player’s best performance,” NBA reporter Dave McMenamin says in the series about how the all-star has become one of the very few to achieve GOAT status in the long run have managed.
What is LeBron James’ biohacking routine?
On game days, James wakes up around 6:30 a.m., takes a cold bath for 10 to 15 minutes, warms up on the pitch in the morning and sleeps between 12 and 2 p.m. James then performs a series of activations including stretching, massaging and strengthening his core muscles hours before the 7pm start.
James maintains a strict routine even in the off-season. He eats a diet rich in whole, organic foods and avoids sugar, fried foods and highly processed foods (the star promotes a glass of wine after the game, according to the series).
Recovery is also a cornerstone for James.
“Days off are vital,” says James’ coach Mike Mancias. “Days off give us the opportunity to work on our bodies.”
James swears by it cold immersion for muscle regeneration and healing. He also performs red light therapy to relieve muscle and joint pain. He goes to one routinely hyperbaric oxygen chambera coffin-like tube as James’ wife describes it in the series and is intended to restore oxygen levels in people who have had carbon monoxide poisoning (It is approved by the FDA to treat certain, albeit numerous, medical conditions Biohacker have incorporated it into their routines to improve immune system health and circulation).
James also performs cryotherapy, which involves exposing you to very cold temperatures, sometimes as low as -250 degrees Fahrenheit, to release endorphins and reduce oxidative stress (this therapy has not been approved by the FDA to treat any specific medical conditions). He also wears the Normatec leg compression system, which his trainer says helps his legs feel rested and fresh.
But according to the star himself, James’ top health hack may be one that’s most accessible to the masses: Sleep.
“The most important thing he gets for free is sleep,” Mancias said.
“Sleep is the best rest you can have,” adds James, who limits screen time and keeps his room cool to allow for better rest. “Basically, it’s like putting your phone in a charger before bed.”
He admits that he doesn’t sleep perfectly every night, but that’s what he prioritizes most. “Trying to get as much sleep as possible is the only way to get back to 100%,” says James.