NBA FIT Team: Derrick Rose
He's one of the emerging young point guards in the NBA. Meet the 2008 NBA Rookie of the Year and first pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. But talent can only take you so far. Learn more about how Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose complements his talents with a ambitious workout routine and diet.
The NBA is known for its tough 82 game schedule. With all that goes into completing an NBA season, how important is it for you to remain active during your downtime during the season and during the off-season?
It is very important to me to maintain a consistent workout regimen during the season. The Bulls staff does a great job with providing me with a weekly workout and these kept me energized throughout my rookie season. In the off season, I try to increase my strength and add new dimensions to my game. This allows me to stay healthy and improve even when I am not playing in games.
What you put into you body is very important to your overall performance. What foods or beverages do you incorporate into your daily routine that helps you perform at your maximum level?
I like to keep it simple. I love eating it grilled chicken, pasta, rice, and other foods that give me long term energy. Every once in a while, my sweet tooth gets the best of me and I have to snack on some candy. Beverage wise, I stick to sports drinks, water, milk, and juice.
NBA players are some of the best conditioned athletes in the world. Other than playing basketball, what would you say are some of the benefits of being and eating healthy?
Being healthy is a complete lifestyle for me. It allows my brain to function at a very high degree so I can comprehend all the new things that are thrown at me. It also allows me to sleep well so that I am rested when I need to perform. Finally, being healthy will hopefully allow me to live a long and fun filled life.
The NBA game is fast paced and physical. As an NBA player how important is it to develop a strong core since running, jumping, physical play, endurance and athleticism are key to having success?
All physical activity begins with the body’s core. I maintain the strength in my core so that I can jump, run, start, stop, and accelerate at the highest levels.
In order to reach your maximum performance level for games, what meals do you eat pre-game? Post-game?
I try to keep my pre-game meals consistent. I usually eat grilled chicken and pasta or rice. Following the game, something light like a turkey sandwich.
