RECHARGE YOUR MUSCLES LIKE TAJ GIBSON

When he broke into the league in 2009, Taj Gibson didn’t train smartly. But these days, at 36, he focuses on recovery when he’s not battling in the paint for the New York Knicks. Borrow his recovery tips to keep your muscles and joints feeling strong.

CONTRAST BATH

At the end of a rough day, Gibson starts with 2 mins in a deep ice bath, then shifts to 3 mins in a steam room. He repeats that sequence three to four times, finishing with 2 more mins in the ice bath. The cold periods ‘numb’ joint pain, he says, and the hot cycles enhance blood flow, speeding recovery.

BODY-WEIGHT BAND PRACTICE

Gibson relies on mini bands to build glute stability. Try the alternating monster step: stand with a mini band wrapped around your knees, knees bent. Take a step to the right with your right foot, aiming to keep knee above ankle. Return the leg to the start; repeat on the other side. Do 3 sets of 12 to 15 once a day.