Famous Athletes and Their Favorite Recovery Hacks

Behind every incredible athletic performance lies an equally impressive recovery routine. In recent years, professional athletes have pulled back the curtain on the tools, technologies, and habits they rely on to bounce back stronger and stay at peak performance. From cold therapy to high-tech solutions, recovery isn’t just a buzzword-it’s a vital part of training.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned competitor, there’s a lot to learn from the pros. Here are eight famous athletes and the recovery hacks they swear by-plus some insights into how you can integrate these techniques into your own wellness routine.

1. LeBron James – Hyperbaric Chambers, Cryotherapy, and Red Light Therapy

LeBron James is arguably one of the most durable athletes in sports history, and much of that is thanks to his dedication to recovery. The NBA legend reportedly invests over $1.5 million annually on body maintenance, which includes a wide variety of cutting-edge therapies.

LeBron’s recovery toolbox includes:

• Cryotherapy: Exposing the body to sub-zero temperatures to reduce inflammation
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT): Breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber to boost cellular repair
• Red light therapy: Using low-wavelength light to enhance muscle recovery and reduce inflammation
• Compression gear and massage therapy
• A sleep routine that prioritizes 8-10 hours of nightly rest

These methods help him maintain elite performance deep into his career.

2. Michael Phelps – Cold Therapy and Cupping

Legendary swimmer Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, is a long-time advocate of cold therapy. After grueling swim sessions, Phelps regularly used ice baths to reduce muscle soreness and inflammation which are just a few of the primary benefits of cold therapy.

During the 2016 Rio Olympics, he also brought global attention to cupping therapy, a practice that involves placing suction cups on the skin to increase blood circulation and relieve muscle tightness. The large purple circles on his back became a viral image and sparked widespread curiosity about alternative recovery methods.

3. Serena Williams – Ice Baths and Relaxation Routines

Tennis icon Serena Williams has long emphasized the importance of recovery, both physical and mental. Among her go-to strategies is the classic ice bath, which she uses to combat post-match inflammation and speed up muscle recovery.

Williams also includes relaxation and skincare in her routine, helping her unwind and repair after tournaments. For her, recovery isn’t just about performance-it’s about longevity and balance.

4. Tom Brady – Pliability and Infrared Saunas

NFL legend Tom Brady follows a detailed and disciplined recovery regimen, known as the TB12 Method, which focuses on:

• Pliability: Deep tissue massage to keep muscles long and soft
• Anti-inflammatory diet: Whole foods, minimal sugar, and no dairy
• Resistance band training
• Hydration and sleep
• Infrared sauna use to improve circulation and promote detoxification

At age 45, Brady’s recovery habits have helped him extend his playing career beyond typical limits, setting new standards for what’s possible in professional sports.

5. Klay Thompson – Cold Water Immersion

Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson relies heavily on cold-water immersion for recovery. Coming back from a series of serious injuries-including an ACL tear and Achilles rupture-Thompson has openly credited ice baths and hydrotherapy with helping him return to peak performance.

Cold immersion reduces swelling, aids muscle repair, and allows athletes to return to training faster. It’s especially beneficial during long NBA seasons filled with back-to-back games.

6. Naomi Osaka – Cold Therapy for High-Stress Tournaments

Rising tennis superstar Naomi Osaka has spoken about the physical toll of the professional circuit, and she often turns to cold therapy after matches. Whether it’s ice baths or cryotherapy, these methods help her reduce post-match soreness and maintain a demanding schedule.

In addition to physical recovery, Osaka prioritizes mental health, taking breaks and engaging in mindfulness to reduce stress and avoid burnout-reminding fans that recovery goes beyond the body.d

7. J.J. Watt – Cold Exposure in Natural Settings

NFL defensive end J.J. Watt takes cold therapy to the extreme. His social media is filled with footage of him plunging into icy lakes during the off-season. This raw approach to cold exposure helps reduce inflammation and improve muscle recovery.

While not for the faint of heart, Watt’s method highlights how embracing nature can complement traditional recovery practices. Even a simple ice bath or cold shower at home can offer similar benefits.

8. Stephen Curry – Float Tanks and Sensory Deprivation

Three-time NBA champion Stephen Curry incorporates sensory deprivation tanks (also known as float tanks) into his recovery routine. These tanks are filled with saltwater and allow the body to float effortlessly in silence and darkness, reducing external stimuli and promoting full-body relaxation.

The benefits? Improved sleep, faster muscle recovery, and mental clarity-especially helpful during high-pressure seasons and playoff runs.

Final Thoughts

From high-tech chambers to good old-fashioned ice baths, famous athletes around the world are showing that recovery is just as important as training. Whether you’re an aspiring pro or just want to feel better after your workouts, these recovery hacks are worth exploring.

Incorporating cold therapy, better sleep, mindfulness, and nutrition into your own routine could help you perform better, feel stronger, and stay in the game longer-just like the greats.