The conversation between P.K. Subban, Stephen A. Smith, and Shannon Sharpe on First Take got heated. “Alex Ovechkin has been more durable than LeBron James over his career. Go look at the numbers based on the simple fact of the sport that he’s playing. We can’t compare these two,” said Subban. However, Smith and Sharpe begged to differ.

While admitting that “Ovi is an anomaly,” Sharpe asked how many 6’9″, 260 lbs basketball players possess James’ athleticism at 40. And while the trio continued to go back and forth, it’s no secret that the iconic sportsmen had dedicated their lives to staying fit for the sport they love. Yet, their approach toward staying fit well beyond the average retirement age is surprisingly different.

For starters, as per Bill Simmons, LeBron James may have been spending $1.5 million on his fitness regimen as early as 2016. “I’ve heard this crazy notion about how much money I spend on my body each year. I kind of just chuckle. That is a number that I will not disclose,” James responded years later in Netflix’s Starting 5 docuseries. Meanwhile, Alex Ovechkin “hates,” hockey-less training.

“I really hate it. I don’t like to just train. This is the hardest thing,” said Alex Ovechkin while discussing training during the off-season. While Ovechkin does follow separate strength and conditioning routines, his approach to the whole thing seemed far more laid back. Despite his general dislike for training, he now stands at the top of the NHL’s goalscoring mountain, having beaten Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 goals.

“Nothing serious, just strength and getting in great shape,” Alex Ovechkin described his approach to Men’s Health in 2019. Considering the two athletes are just a year apart, this is a big contrast to James’s meticulously designed biohacking regimen.

“To eat (what you like), or not to eat?”: Alex Ovechkin edition

As per a Yahoo Finance report from last year, James’s expensive biohacking routine involves everything from early mornings, cold plunges, a strict diet, and a big focus on recovery. In Netflix’s Starting 5, reporter Dave McMenamin vouched for James’s work ethic. McMenamin explained that the then-39-year-old was “pushing the limits” of what even prime athletes can do.

The Yahoo report explained that the four-time NBA champion doesn’t even skip his rigorous routine on game day. James does everything for “stretching, massaging, and strengthening his core muscles,” hours before the evening game to ensure his energy levels are at their maximum. The diet also plays a big role, as James has eliminated sugar and junk foods, and in contrast to Alex Ovechkin, keeps track of his weight even in the offseason.

Meanwhile, Ovechkin is more relaxed about his diet. After all, The Great 8 once made heads turn when he was spotted with a Subway sandwich and a bag of Cheetos before a game. Moreover, it’s no secret how he likes to indulge in the pasta dish Mama Luccia before games and some Dr. Pepper during intermission. In fact, when former teammate Brooks Laich wanted to take the healthy route that lay at the bottom of a glass of organic vegetable smoothie, Ovechkin suggested that he added some Russian vodka and beer to make things a bit more fun. However, that doesn’t mean the ice hockey icon never follows a diet.

In fact, during the preseason, he is all about fitness. “Before the season, you will need to get in shape. It’s clear that you’re gaining extra pounds — you’re not moving, you’re resting,” he said. And recovery is another pillar of James’ training. “Off days are vital. Off days give us an opportunity to work on the body,” said the NBA star’s trainer, Mike Mancias. Finally, it’s also crucial to remember that Alex Ovechkin also works with professionals to keep him in shape. While the NHL star may not be spending as much as James, that doesn’t mean he throws fitness routines at the wall to see what sticks.