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Few athletes can rival the strength, power, and athletic prowess of an NFL player. With their explosive strength, near-superhuman agility, mental toughness, and formidable physiques, even a typical NFL player is a powerhouse.
The secret behind their incredible abilities lies in their intense training routines. From Tom Brady's 'TB12 Method' to Travis Kelce's rigorous resistance training, NFL stars are dedicated to leaving no stone unturned in their journey to greatness.
If you’re looking for ways to boost your T-levels, then getting the right workout plan is essential - and looking to NFL players can provide some inspiration as the new season approaches.
So, we’re here to show you how to train like an NFL player and take your fitness and testosterone levels to new heights.
Ready? Let's kick off…
The mentality of an NFL hall of fame-er…
Before diving into the specifics of NFL training, it’s important to understand the mindset of a professional football legend - half the battle is getting your head straight so that you can level up your training.
By embracing the NFL Hall of Fame training philosophy, you’ll be able to push your mind and body to new heights, just like the pros.
So, what exactly is this training philosophy that helps fuel their game?
The key is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to training. Each player and coach has a unique method, but some fundamental principles remain consistent.
Here’s our take on the NFL Hall of Fame training philosophy, inspired by the wisdom of many pro football legends:
“Go big, go hard—but be smart. To train like an NFL icon, start at your own pace. Be consistent, even when it’s tough. Fuel your body right, rest when needed, and always push beyond your limits. Focus on mental resilience as much as physical strength. That’s what separates the great from the good.”
Take a moment to absorb these words, gather your gear, and get ready. It’s time to get to work.
Key components of an NFL training program
Now that you’re fired up let’s explore the key components of a typical Hall of Fame workout routine, beginning with strength training.
Strength Training
To achieve the gains that make you look and feel like an NFL icon, a solid commitment to strength training is essential.
In addition to lifting weights with proper form, many Hall of Famers incorporate bodyweight exercises into their routines.
By focusing on all major muscle groups, incorporating Olympic lifts, and adding a variety of callisthenics, NFL players build resilient, ripped, and explosive muscle.
Lesson: Diversify your strength training, stick to a routine, and focus on impeccable form. That’s how you get ahead.
Colossal Conditioning
NFL Hall of Famers also emphasise conditioning to prevent injury, speed up recovery, and enhance overall performance.
A typical NFL conditioning program might include:
- Interval sprints
- Focused stretching
- Ladder drills
- Explosive bodyweight exercises
- Medicine ball workouts
- Dynamic kettlebell movements
Incorporate these conditioning exercises into your training at least twice a week to elevate your strength and fitness.
Lesson: Make conditioning a consistent part of your routine to reduce injury risk and enhance performance.
Agility, Speed & Flexibility
What sets an NFL Hall of Famer apart is their incredible speed, agility, and flexibility—even with their massive builds.
In addition to muscle-building, engage in activities that improve speed, agility, and coordination. High-intensity drills and cardio-based workouts are particularly effective.
Lesson: Don’t neglect agility, speed, and flexibility training. It will boost your confidence and supercharge your results.
Mental Agility
Mental resilience is what sets NFL Hall of Famers apart. To consistently push past physical limits, top NFL players prioritise mental training.
Here are some techniques they use:
- Meditation
- Yoga and Pilates
- Goal-setting activities
- Brain training apps and puzzles
- Positive self-talk and visualisation
- Mindful jogging or walking
- Neutral thinking techniques
Lesson: Incorporate mental training into your routine to consistently smash your goals.
NFL-Inspired Training Programme
Now that we’ve covered the essentials, here’s a sample routine you can adapt to fit your goals, inspired by our favourite NFL teams:
Day One: Lower Body Strength & Conditioning
- Warm-up: 10-15 minutes (dynamic stretching, light jogging)
- Strength training: Squats, Deadlifts, Lunges, Leg press
- Bodyweight exercises: Bulgarian split squats, Box jumps, Calf raises
- Conditioning: Hill sprints, Agility ladder drills, Prowler pushes
Day Two: Upper Body Strength & Conditioning
- Warm-up: 10-15 minutes (dynamic stretching, light jogging)
- Strength training: Bench press, Pull-ups, Overhead press, Bent-over rows
- Bodyweight exercises: Push-ups, Dips, Plank with shoulder taps
- Conditioning: Battle ropes, Sprints, Medicine ball slams
Day Three: Full Body & Conditioning
- Warm-up: 10-15 minutes (dynamic stretching, light jogging)
- Strength training: Power cleans, Trap bar deadlift, Dumbbell bench press
- Bodyweight exercises: Pull-ups, Push-ups, Russian twists
- Conditioning: Circuit training (burpees, kettlebell swings, box jumps, sprints)
Cool-down: 10 minutes (light jogging, static stretching)
Tip: Adjust this plan as needed, ensuring you include rest days, cardio, and mental training activities.
Nutrition and Recovery: Do It Like an NFL Hall of Famer
Now, let’s talk about nutrition and recovery—vital components of any NFL player’s life and yours if you want to boost t-levels and level up in the gym.
Nutrition
To fuel your training and achieve an NFL physique, you need to eat like a pro. This means focusing on quality foods and hitting your macros:
- Quality carbs: 50%
- Healthy fats: 25%
- Lean proteins: 25%
Fuel up with a solid pre-training meal about an hour before your workout, and stay hydrated with at least 15 glasses of water on training days.
Top Tip: Explore our nutrition library for expert advice on fueling your NFL training regimen.
Rest & Recovery
Taking rest days is crucial for recovery and muscle growth. NFL pros typically rest two days per week to allow their bodies to repair, recover, and avoid injury.
Top Tip: For optimal recovery, consider active recovery, brain training, and proper nutrition on rest days.
It’s your shot…
Exercise is a key component of boosting t-levels and keeping them high, so get inspired by an NFL training routine.
The best NFL athletes use quality supplements to enhance their performance and maximise muscle-building. If your energy levels are low, and you’re struggling to hit the gym then Testoprime might be the supplement you need to boost your performance.
