LeBron James has detailed the nine-step daily routine that allows him to perform in the NBA at age 40, with a hyperbaric oxygen chamber playing a central role in his recovery process. After waking up for a back-to-back game, the Los Angeles Lakers star started his day in a cold tub before stepping into the specialized chamber, a method he uses to prepare his body for elite competition.
The athlete shared his exact schedule after leading his team to a win against the Atlanta Hawks. His routine is a calculated blend of high-tech treatment and disciplined rest designed to combat the physical demands of professional basketball.
What a Hyperbaric Chamber Does for Athletes Like LeBron James
A hyperbaric chamber is a medical device where a person breathes pure oxygen at a pressure higher than normal atmospheric pressure. This process, known as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), forces more oxygen to dissolve into the blood plasma.
For an athlete, the primary goal is to deliver increased oxygen to muscles and tissues, which can speed up recovery from fatigue and minor injuries. Medical centers use this technology to help heal serious wounds and injuries, but it has become popular in sports for its potential to reduce inflammation and accelerate the body’s natural repair processes.
LeBron James described his process saying, “I woke up, got in the cold tub. After I got in the cold tub I got in the hyperbaric chamber”.
The therapy is believed to work by saturating the blood with oxygen, which then circulates to areas needing repair. This can help reduce swelling, promote the growth of new blood vessels, and improve overall cellular function. Top athletes from various sports, including Tom Brady and Cristiano Ronaldo, have also reported using HBOT to maintain their performance levels.
LeBron James’s Detailed Game-Day Recovery Routine
James’s preparation is a meticulous, hours-long sequence. For his first back-to-back games of the season, he followed a strict list of nine steps.
His recovery-focused morning starts with a cold tub plunge to reduce inflammation, immediately followed by his session in the hyperbaric chamber. After these treatments, he takes a nap, prioritizing sleep as a critical component of recovery. He then uses Normatec compression boots on his legs for 45 minutes while playing a video golf game, a tactic he uses to keep weight off his feet and mentally relax.
Once at the arena, his routine intensifies with activation drills, stretching, rehabilitation work, light lifting, and further treatment. He completes the process with a pregame meal. The entire regimen culminates in a brief check-in with his longtime trainer, Mike Mancias.
James recalled the moment: “Mike looked at me and asked, ‘What do you think?’ And I said, ‘I think I feel pretty good’”.
The result of this intensive preparation was a standout performance where James scored 31 points, secured 10 assists, and grabbed nine rebounds in a dominant Lakers victory.
The Science and Popularity of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Sports
The use of hyperbaric chambers in athletics is supported by research and widespread adoption among elite competitors. Studies suggest HBOT can improve recovery from muscle fatigue, enhance the healing of sports injuries, and even boost certain aspects of physical performance like endurance.
A key benefit is the reduction of inflammation, a common issue for athletes after intense exertion. By increasing oxygen supply to tissues, the therapy may help clear metabolic byproducts like lactate more quickly and support mitochondria, the energy producers in cells.
The practice gained notable attention during the Nagano Winter Olympics, where it was used to help fatigued athletes continue competing. Today, it is an accepted tool, with agencies like the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) not prohibiting its use.
Tennis star Novak Djokovic has used it for “a quick recovery after a difficult match,” while golfer Tiger Woods stated, “It helps you recover faster, and I take any advantage that is within my reach”.
The Comprehensive Regimen Supporting LeBron James’s Longevity
The hyperbaric chamber is just one part of a vast and reportedly expensive investment James makes in his physical upkeep. While he has not confirmed specific figures, a longstanding rumor cited by sportswriter Bill Simmons suggests he spends up to $1.5 million annually on his body.
In the Netflix docuseries Starting 5, James addressed the speculation, focusing on the commitment rather than the cost.
“I’ve heard this crazy notion about how much money I spend on my body each year,” James said. “I kind of just chuckle. That is a number that I will not disclose, but, more importantly, I think it’s just the time”.
His broader regimen includes cryotherapy, red light therapy, and an extremely strict diet that avoids fried foods, added sugars, and processed items. Above all, James and his trainer emphasize high-quality sleep as the most important recovery tool.
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This holistic approach has allowed James to maintain exceptional statistics. After turning 40, he has averaged 26.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game, numbers that defy typical age-related decline in professional sports.
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