Kawhi Leonard Workout And Diet
Professional Basketball Player
Kawhi Leonard is from California. A natural athlete, he was a basketball star in high school. Leonard was named California Mr. Basketball and ranked as a 4-star recruit by Rivals.com. He went to San Diego State where in the 2009-’10 season, he helped them win the Mountain West Conference title. Leonard was named MWC Freshman of the Year, Fist Team All-MWC and MVP of the MWC tournament. The team also went to the NCAA tournament when he was a sophomore. Leonard entered the NBA draft in 2011 and was picked up by the Indiana Pacers but was traded to San Antonio the same night. He also played for the Toronto Raptors where in 2019 he led the team to their first NBA Championship. He signed with the LA Clippers as a free agent the same year. The ‘Klaw’ earned his nickname thanks to his incredible defensive skills. He has earned 7 All-Defensive Team selections, and Defensive Player of the Year twice. In 2021, he played on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. Leonard has a limited presence on social media. He is 6 feet, 7 inches tall and weighs about 225 lbs.
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Kawhi Leonard’s Diet
Diet Summary
Diet is essential for peak performance, and Leonard is all about clean eating. Staples include fresh fruits and veggies, egg whites, lean protein and salads. While a lot of people have their go-tos, Leonard prefers to mix things up. For such a big guy, he doesn’t go crazy with food. He isn’t big on breakfast, and he also doesn’t like eating before a game. When out on the road, he listens to the team nutritionist. He drinks a lot of water every day and he’s very particular about what kind: he only has alkaline.
Estimated Macros
High Protein
Medium Fat
Medium Carb
Diet Details
A K.I.S.S Diet Plan
Leonard doesn’t care about fancy. He’s happy with some grilled chicken and veggies or some other equally no-nonsense food.
Mix It Up
Leonard says one of the best things about making the NBA is that he has money to buy quality food. Being broke and having to eat fast food in college was hard.
Life Is Good in the NBA
Although Leonard isn’t fussy about food, he also doesn’t like eating the same thing all the time. He says that gets old fast.
Home Town Advantage
Leonard loves a good home-cooked meal. If he’s on the road, he’ll hit a local joint rather than a big-name chain because he likes to discover something about the local character of the places he visits.
Keep It Steady
Leonard says he keeps an eye on his weight. If he starts to lose too much as the season goes on into the playoffs, he’ll add in a little more protein or veggies to stay strong.
Water Matters
Leonard is a big advocate of alkaline water, which is meant to neutralize acid in the body, although the jury is still out on what if anything alkaline water really does.
What to Eat
- Natural foods
- Organic foods
- Egg whites
- Veggies
- Chicken
- Fish
- Whole grains
- Fruit
- Protein bars
- Fresh juices
- Alkaline water
What to Avoid
- Junk food
- Processed foods
- Fast food
- Empty-calorie foods
- Artificial ingredients
- Low pH water
Leonard on his diet
I wanted to better my eating habits before I even got drafted.
Leonard on breakfast
I rarely eat breakfast because of our schedule.
Leonard on his pre-game diet
I definitely don’t like to eat a lot before I play.
Leonard on what to eat before a game
If I’m feeling hungry before a game, I’ll eat one of those protein bars, but that’s it.
Leonard on his favorite foods
I’ve always liked home-cooked meals.
Leonard’s diet advice
Eat organic products.
Leonard on water
Not all water is great for you. Stick to alkaline waters with a higher pH. Trust me.
Kawhi Leonard’s Workout Routine
Workout Routine
Love the Game
Leonard says money is not his biggest motivation. It’s playing — and winning — at the highest level.
Man of Steel
Leonard once broke a squat machine known as the yo-yo while he was lifting against 2x his weight, or about 500 lbs.
Daily Dose
Leonard hits the gym most days, lifting weights and doing drills with the team.
Rehab Matters
Leonard is still dealing with the aftermath of a torn ACL. He does rehab and prehab work, and massage to help keep him free from future injury.
Dream Come True
Leonard says a big part of his motivation to make it to the big leagues was wanting to prove he could do it. He is also proud to inspire kids that are growing up in difficult circumstances that anything is possible, whether it be sports or science or anything else.
Easy Does It
Leonard took his time recovering from a partial ACL tear in July, 2021, missing most of the 2021-22 season.
Shadow Athlete
Leonard mostly flies under the radar, and doesn’t like to be showy about his workouts, or any other aspect of his life.
Exercise Style
A Sample Kawhi Leonard Routine
Basketball drills
Weightlifting
Mon/Wed/Fri
Dumbbell bench press
Leg raises
Dumbbell rows
Alternating dumbbell curls
Hammer curls
Dumbbell shrugs
Dumbbell front raises
Shoulder presses
Triceps pushdowns
Tues/Thurs
Bicycle crunches
Planks
Oblique crunches
Russian twists
Hanging leg raises
Weighted sit-ups
Lunges
Leg raises
Hamstring curls
Barbell squats
Inchworms
V-ups
Rehab work
Light massage
Leonard on achievement
I like being the underdog so they don’t expect what’s going to happen. It pushes me harder and do the things I’m not doing better.
Leonard on his motivation to excel
It’s just the game itself that drives me. I just want to be able to compete at the highest level.
Leonard on his fitness goals
I just want to keep improving, to keep getting better.
Leonard on winning
It’s all mental.
Kawhi Leonard’s Supplements
Protein Bars
Leonard isn’t big on eating before a game, but if his tummy is growling, he’ll go for a protein bar to quiet it down and give him energy.
Alkaline Water
Leonard is very particular about his water. It’s alkaline only for him. Alkaline water contains minerals that give it a higher pH than regular water, which is said to lower acidity in the body, improve blood flow, support the immune system and help clean out the colon, but research is lacking.
Kawhi Leonard’s Lifestyle
Load Management
Leonard wants to be in the game for the longterm, which means managing his work/rest levels, and economizing energy.
Never Forget
Leonard says he thinks about his father every day, and what he would tell him if he were still here.
Muscle Man
Leonard loves an old-style muscle car. He’s especially big on Chevys.
Early Tragedy
When Leonard was 16, his father was murdered at the carwash he owned in Compton, CA.
The Extra Edge
Leonard says his huge hands and 7’ 3” wingspan give him a little bit more reach, which is always useful in the game.
Alternate Reality
Leonard says he was a pretty good football player back in the day and probably could have made the NFL…except he hated to practice.
Leonard on the most important event in his life
My dad leaving my life. That’s the biggest thing that happened to me.
Leonard on his lack of influence
When I was growing up, I didn’t have a hometown hero.
Leonard on his influence
I want the kids to know that it’s not a myth that somebody from their city plays and wins in the NBA.
Leonard on success
As long as you give your best effort, I feel like that’s all you can do.
Leonard on the zen of basketball
When I’m on the court, I feel all problems go away.
Leonard on winning an MVP award
I’ll never try to win an award. I’m just out there for my team.
Leonard on his hands
People always want to compare their hands to mine, pretty much everywhere I go.
Leonard on his personality
I’m just a low-key guy.
Leonard on himself
I don’t need to be a celebrity or a superstar.
Leonard on his idea of a great car
I like the old-school muscle cars.
Leonard on being a dad
It’s a great feeling.
Recommended Products
Leonard #2 Clippers jersey
New Balance
Wingstop
