LeBron James is one of the athletic marvels of modern sport. He’s currently playing better than any Year 17 player we’ve ever seen to start the season and that’s without considering that James has played the most playoff minutes in NBA history, a total he almost certainly adds to this season. But to accomplish those things, as well as all the other things that LeBron does, also takes the precision of the mind. James is now sharing his routines and advice on “mental fitness” through a new partnership with the Calm app.
James unveiled the partnership last night in Los Angeles, which includes a TV spot for the app featuring James. “What’s a strong body without a sound mind,” James asks in the new commercial.
James and his routines with athletic trainer Mike Mancias, the constant care of his body and seriousness of that, have often been the main focus of LeBron and his training. But training his mind is just as important, according to him.
“As an athlete, there’s a lot of focus on physical fitness, ” James said. “This partnership with Calm is all about mental fitness. It’s something I’ve always prioritized, and it’s just as important to my game, my career, and my life than anything I can do physically. The ability to focus and calibrate everything going on inside your mind is a skill that can be strengthened over time, and Calm helps me do that. Through this partnership, I’m also excited to share that important tool with the youth in my Foundation and across the country.”
As part of the partnership, LeBron will be featured in the “Train Your Mind” series, featuring “10-minute inspirational wisdom sessions” featuring James on the topics of “managing emotions, sleep and maintaining balance.” In addition to that, students at LeBron James’ I PROMISE School will have access to the Calm program where it will be implemented in the day’s curriculum. Counseling and trauma therapy are already major parts of the I PROMISE School curriculum.
“Calm’s mental fitness and mindfulness practices align perfectly with the I PROMISE School’s trauma-informed curriculum and intentional approach to educating the whole child,” Michele Campbell, Executive Director of the LeBron James Family Foundation, said. “For the population of at-risk students we serve at IPS – many who are experiencing various forms of trauma – mental toughness and the ability to process what they’re going through is a matter of survival. We’re excited to add Calm’s tools and techniques to the supports we’re able to provide in this critical area.”