If you aspire to be a great sportsperson you need to follow what the top performers are doing, both on the pitch and off it. Training, nutrition and preparation are the foundation of every successful athlete and sportsperson, so getting that right is a must. Let’s look at what a few of today’s top athletes are doing right now.
Saquon Barkley
The New York Giants’ star running back is often referred to as “Sa-Quads” because of the pure muscle in his legs.
The No. 2 overall selection of the 2018 NFL Draft has the ideal combination of size (listed at 5-foot-11, 233 pounds), speed, athleticism and agility.
In an interview with Men’s Journal, Barkley stated that the key for him being an explosive athlete comes down to the squats workouts.
Barkley said “Squats are key for me to build that strength in my quads”, noting that he can do squats of 650 to 700 pounds. This is a way of training himself to maneuver past defensive tackles and linebackers.
In a 2019 YouTube video published on the Giants’ channel, Barkley gave fans a close-up glimpse at his offseason workout: Banded resistance shoulder workouts, chinups, Swiss Ball Pike-Ups and much more.
Barkley isn’t the biggest guy on the field. But compared to many other star running backs, he displays phenomenal strength and size that helps him bulldoze his way through opposing defenders.
Injuries have unfortunately largely hampered Barkley over the last three seasons. But even behind a lackluster Giants’ offensive line, he started out his career with consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
And Barkley’s intense workouts should help him retain his explosiveness for many years to come.
Pete Alonso
Not much has gone right for the New York Mets over the last five years, but superstar Pete Alonso gives this franchise something to be excited about long-term.
Alonso has been one of the game’s most feared hitters since his 2019 rookie year. In his first MLB season, Alonso clubbed a whopping 53 home runs and 120 RBI. He hit 16 dingers in the short 60-game 2020 season and 37 in 2021.
In a 2020 article published at Men’s Health, Alonso discussed his workout routine that has helped him develop that strength and powerful bat.
During the offseason, Alonso commences 5:30 a.m. workouts at a barn in Odessa, Florida. His training routine includes three sets of tire flipping that helps enhance his strength.
Adding more core work, Alonso performs the “depth jump to broad jump medball throw.” Cable woodshop and back extension workouts further help Alonso build upon his already powerful swing and strength when he swings for the fences.
Alonso hit 53 home runs as a rookie, but it’s safe to say that he hasn’t hit his prime yet. With a detailed and focused workout routine, Alonso should be a consistent 40-plus home run threat for New York.
In this day and age, there aren’t many batters who consistently push for 40 homers and 100 RBI annually. But Alonso, about to enter his age-27 season, figures to be one of those in 2022 and beyond.
Kevin Durant
Even at the age of 33, injuries haven’t been enough to slow down Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant.
Before suffering a knee injury that will keep him out of action for close to another month, “KD”, was widely regarded as a prime favorite to win the 2022 MVP Award.
Once again, the super trio of Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving guided the Nets to one of the top records in the NBA. If the “big three” are healthy for the postseason, Brooklyn will once again be a tough out.
Durant’s training regimen appears to be paying off, along with the rest of the team, as the Nets remain the favorites to win the 2022 NBA Championship in NY sports betting market.
Durant’s crazy workout routine has helped him remain a top-tier player in the NBA. Before his injury, the future Hall of Famer was averaging 29.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game.
The two-time NBA Champion includes plenty of seafood in his diet. The right combination of exercises and workouts help him retain his grade-A form and shape.
Rob McClanaghan’s book, Net Work: Training the NBA’s Best and Finding the Keys to Greatness, detailed some of KD’s crazy workout routines.
The book outlined that while relaxing at home, Durant would suddenly decide at 9:30 p.m. to practice shooting. There was one instance (during his time in Oklahoma City) where they didn’t have access to the Thunder facility.
So, what did KD do? The book details the following:
“He made a couple of calls and we found a church gym that was about 30 minutes away. So that’s an hour-long round trip for a 40-minute workout. We had no security. It was 10 at night. It wasn’t the greatest of gyms. The floor was a little slippery, and I was nervous. It wouldn’t be a good look if KD hurt himself. But he wanted to get in his net work, and that’s all there was to it.”
Moral of the story? For Durant, there’s always a time and a place to work out, one way or another.
Obviously, this only just touches on the complexity of their training and diet, but hopefully provides some food for thought to get you started on making a better, stronger, fitter and faster you.