20 Ways Star Athletes Stay In Shape While Social Distancing

5. Khabib Nurmagamedov

The UFC lightweight champion was training at AKA in San Jose, California when the outbreak began canceling all sports. He’s preparing to fight Tony Ferguson but that fight is under serious threat. First of all, AKA head coach Javier Mendez cleared out the gym so Khabib could train without risk of infection.

But after a total lockdown, Khabib went home to his native Dagestan. Even though he’s still training hard in the wilderness, it looks like it’s all going to be in vain. The Russian government closed the country’s borders. Now it looks like all of his training will for nothing. As one of the few active athletes on the planet, that’s a tough break.

4. Geraint Thomas

One of the most high-profile cyclists in the world, Thomas has done it all. A two-time Olympic Gold medalist and three-time World Champion, he also won the 2018 Tour de France. Luckily, cycling is one of the easiest sports to replicate in a house, because of exercise bikes and advances in technology.

No racing for a while so I’m saddling up in the Tour of Watopia again tonight… Group B at 5pm GMT / 6pm CET on @gozwift – see you there! pic.twitter.com/Ow8kGnWNbw

— Geraint Thomas (@GeraintThomas86) March 14, 2020

In particular, the online virtual cycling platform Zwift is very popular. Cyclists can follow real courses on an interactive screen. It also allows amateurs to race alongside the professionals. Of course, nothing can replace the intensity and danger of a real race, but it’s a good substitute.

3. Timo Meier

Ice hockey is one of the toughest sports to practice in current times. Only a few players have access to shooting facilities and as for ice – well, that’s pretty much out of the question. However, two things they can work on are their conditioning and skills.

Timo Meier with a #10TouchChallenge crossover. #HockeyAtHome

(🎥 @MeierTimo, @SanJoseSharks) pic.twitter.com/NRx1TdiJnt

— NHL (@NHL) March 19, 2020

Meier demonstrated the latter on his Twitter account. He took part in the toilet roll challenge and demonstrated his abilities. Check out the clip of him balancing the toilet roll on his stick. We’re not sure how that will translate to the ice for the San Jose Sharks man, but hey, it’s worth a go.

2. Conor McGregor

UFC fighter McGregor is the most famous MMA athlete on the planet. He’s also been working on his fitness with regular videos showing his fast hands. The Irishman has some of the best boxing in his promotion and shows no signs of letting his skills slip as his clips show.

Conor's throwing bombs in the basement 💣 (via @TheNotoriousMMA, h/t @ESPNRingside) pic.twitter.com/CA3xmb0QRe

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 21, 2020

His coaches expect him to return in July or August. However, who he fights is a less certain story. A clash with Justin Gaethje is possible but he could end up taking on either Tony Ferguson or Khabib Nurmagamedov later this year.

LeBron making us all look bad pt. 1 pic.twitter.com/HRqmxnsNe0

— tryler (@tylerlauletta) March 23, 2020

1. LeBron James

James is actually just out of two weeks in self-isolation after two unnamed Lakers players tested positive for coronavirus. However, James hasn’t let it stop him from keeping in shape because he’s been very busy over the past couple of weeks – at least according to his Instagram stories.

LeBron making us all look bad pt. 2 pic.twitter.com/YEJrB7ZD1A

— tryler (@tylerlauletta) March 23, 2020

He’s been hitting the weights hard and training like crazy in his home fitness center. Who knows when the NBA will resume, but when it does, James will still be a beast. Other basketball stars are catching up on Netflix and drinking wine, but not the Lakers’ biggest star.