Issue #125: How LeBron James Became the NBA's Top All-Time Scorer
Good morning. It’s Friday, February 10th. Super Bowl LVII is Sunday at 6:30p ET on FOX. The Eagles are currently favored by 1.5 points over the Chiefs. Who ya got?
“Learn to be your own biggest fan, the world will provide plenty of critics.”
Weekly Insights: The Wide World of Sports
Inspiration: The Chosen One
Friday Flex: Abs, More Abs and Foam Rolling
Brain Games: The Harder Way
World Record for Ironman Championship in Kona, HI - set in 2022. That's the time to cover a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and 26.2 mile run. (source)
That's crazy - we're just talking about a Sprint or Olympic Triathlon 😎.
Weekly Insights
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And speaking of learning something new, check out this article by Thrive25 reader and contributor Lisa Roths. While you're out there, check out the revamped website. More will be rolled out in the coming days!
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Inspiration
Imagine being named “The Chosen One” on the cover of the most popular sports magazine in the world at age 17 - and then, over the next 20+ years, somehow exceed expectations.
In an age of social media and short attention spans, we too easily glorify and anoint greatness to just about everyone that becomes popular.
But sometimes that recognition is warranted.
LeBron James has scored more points than anyone to ever play in the NBA. In his 20 seasons, he’s been an all-star 19 times, been awarded 4 MVP trophies, and won the title 4 times.
The crazy part is - he’s not even a “scorer." He also ranks 4th all time in assists, 9th in steals, and 32nd in rebounds.
There’s no doubt that LeBron is graced with innate ability that the rest of us can barely fathom - like when he jumped over 5’11” John Lucas.
But chalking up his success to raw talent would be a huge disservice. Despite the potential to let all that media attention going to his head, LeBron continues to outwork, outsmart, and outperform just about everyone that plays the game of basketball.
Philadelphia 76ers coach (and former player), Doc Rivers, said, “LeBron has scored baskets in every way possible.”
First - you could make him use his off-hand (make him go left). So he worked until he could go both ways. Then you gave him the open shot - he’s now 9th all time in made 3-pointers. Then as his body slowed down (even the slightest), he re-invented himself again with a low post game like a power forward.
Bam Adebayo says “he’s like a computer” comparing him to being MS Excel while everyone else is still writing things down.
It’s that meticulous attention to detail and work ethic that elevates him to the next level.
That’s also been the key to his longevity.
Back in 2014, LeBron struggled with back issues. Unwilling to accept traditional therapy, he got the best experts and trainers on biomechanics to figure out how to strengthen his core and adjust his alignment (remember Issue #84).
He uses that same approach for his workouts and diet. It’s pretty well documented that he tries to sleep 8-10 hours (even becoming the spokesperson for the meditation app Calm “Greatness Lies On the Other Side of Sleep”) and eats a strict regimen of meat, fish, veggies & fruit. He even went 67 days without sugars or dairy - he especially avoids sugar during the playoffs because it “delays recovery.”
It was cool to see him cut ties with McDonalds saying “our values don’t align," but to be fair he still promotes Mountain Dew (allegedly he doesn’t drink soda) and Ruffles Chips.
Other key aspects of his health routine:
20-min yoga sessions to end workouts
Hyperbaric chamber to increase oxygen levels
Electrostimulation on flights after games to flush out toxins
Cryotherapy & ice baths to boost recovery
Pressure & massage
But maybe the most overlooked tool is LeBron’s commitment to mental health. He cites meditation as the way he got through “The Bubble” when NBA players were quarantined from the rest of the world for months in Orlando playing games through the pandemic. It’s the year the Lakers won the title, so…
Despite that magazine cover back in 2002, no one would have guessed that LeBron would score 38,000 points and be one of the best players in the NBA for 20 years.
We don’t need to spend $1M a year on our health - but it shows you what’s possible for the rest of us when we take care of our mind and body.
ESPN
Friday Flex
Wednesday (Issue #123) was chest - today is all about abs. Three rounds of three exercises for your core, followed by a little foam roll to show some love to your quads.
Click HERE to view the workout on our YouTube channel.
Workout and video courtesy of Connor J. Obrochta. Check out all of Connor's workouts on Playbook!
Brain Games
#1: 2-min Break - Allergies
Five friends (Enrique, Maria, Viktoria, Wei, and Zion) are each allergic to something different: pollen, shellfish, bee stings, cats, or nuts.
Enrique has a food allergy
Maria can play with his kitten for hours without issue (or medicine)
Viktoria’s allergy is not related to animals
Wei has seasonal allergies
Can you figure out who is allergic to what?
Why: Sharpen logic and reasoning skills
Credit: Reader's Digest
#2: 10-min of Focus - Try the Harder Way
Technology does a lot to make things in life easier, faster, more efficient, but our cognitive skills can suffer as a result. Max used to know every street where we grew up, now he’s too reliant on GPS to get around.
Don’t use your navigational system for a day, a week, maybe more - rely on your brain only! Bonus: figure out another part of life where you're too reliant on tech and cut it out of the routine for a bit.
Why: Improve spatial and problem-solving skills
Credit: Scientific American
**For answer, scroll to the bottom of the post
Thanks for another great week! Head into the weekend with a little tribute to LeBron's 2020 championship run:
Check out the latest workout videos on our YouTube channel
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** Brain Games Answer **
#1: Enrique is allergic to shellfish, Maria to bee stings, Viktoria to nuts, Wei to pollen, and Zion to cats.
Why Thrive25
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This newsletter is for you and we truly value your feedback. Never hesitate to reach out to us at team@thrive25.com.
To health!
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