In the fast-paced world of the NBA, where physical prowess is important, fitness trainers play an indispensable role. In the 1980s coaches like Phil Jackson and Johnny Kerr helped shape the basketball world and the phenomenal Bulls legend, Michael Jordan was also a part of it. However, despite his legendary status, there are still aspects of Jordan’s career that remain relatively unknown to the public. Some of which have been revealed by his ex-confidant.

Tim Grover, who was Jordan’s trainer and worked closely with him during his Chicago Bulls days, recently shared about the player’s struggle with energy. “Michael (Jordan) was low on energy. There was no a book available out there, that said, okay, you needed to increase his protein intake,” Grover said, via Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard. He continued to talk about how he relied on his knowledge to help the shooting guard, as there was not much information about fitness at that time, and many fitness coaches during the 1980s focused only on carbs. 

To address MJ’s energy challenges, Grover implemented a strategic dietary overhaul. One key component of the plan was to include steak in Jordan’s daily meals. Steak, which is a rich source of lean protein, provides the essential building blocks for muscle repair and growth. By increasing Jordan’s protein intake, Grover aimed to enhance his overall energy levels and improve his recovery time after workouts. 

Grover continued with an example of how students in school were asked to raise both of their hands to increase airflow in their bodies when they felt exhausted. However, the experienced trainer had another approach to tackling this problem. He had asked Jordan to grab his shorts whenever he was in such a situation, as it helped the body to recover quickly. “Again that’s how to think not what to think. Not always thinking about what’s the right way, what’s your way of doing it,” added Grover to show how thinking outside the box helped him achieve greater results.

These were some of the ways Grover had helped Jordan with his energy but did you know that he also had a theory about sleep?

Tim Grover’s theory on sleep for his athletes

Tim Grover has always emphasized the critical role of sleep in athletic performance. In the 1990s or the 2000s, having less amount of sleep to exercise had become a characteristic of being a top player. 

Grover’s theory is rooted in the understanding that sleep is the body’s natural way of repairing and rejuvenating itself. He asked his clients to start working out at 5, 6, or 7 am depending on the schedule, whereas coaches asked their players to start working out at 4 am. MJ’s trainer also remained frigid on the fact that exercising early didn’t have many benefits for an athlete.

By prioritizing sleep, Grover believed that his athletes could optimize their performance, reduce the risk of injuries, and improve their mental resilience. The results speak for Grover, as his training routine had created many greats like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Scottie Pippen, Charles Barkley, Dwyane Wade, and many more.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.