LeBron James has long been recognised as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, not only for his incredible skill but also for his ability to maintain elite performance well into his late thirties. Even after more than 22 seasons in the NBA, the 39-year-old Los Angeles Lakers star continues to dominate on the court.
So, what is his secret?
In the Netflix docuseries “Starting 5”, LeBron finally revealed the recovery routine that keeps him performing at such a high level. One of the most interesting parts of that routine is his use of a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, a technology that was once reserved for medical rehabilitation but is now popular among top athletes, biohackers, and wellness experts.
Inside LeBron’s Recovery Routine
LeBron’s lifestyle revolves around performance optimisation. His daily routine is a blend of science, precision, and discipline. Each step is designed to help his body recover faster and stay resilient.
His recovery methods include:
- Cryotherapy to reduce inflammation
- Red light therapy to stimulate cell regeneration
- Compression boots such as Hyperice’s Normatec 3 to improve circulation
- Cold plunges and stretching routines for muscle flexibility and recovery
- And most notably, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for deep cellular repair
Back in 2016, sportswriter Bill Simmons claimed that LeBron spends over $1.5 million annually on his body. When asked about it in the docuseries, LeBron neither confirmed nor denied the claim but did share that his success is more about time and consistency than money.
“I’ve heard this crazy notion about how much money I spend on my body each year,” LeBron said. “That’s a number I won’t disclose. But more importantly, it’s the time.”
For LeBron, that time includes 90-minute hyperbaric sessions, especially after games and intense training days, to help his body recover faster and stay ready for the next challenge.
What Is a Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber?
A hyperbaric oxygen chamber is a sealed and pressurised environment where users breathe in pure oxygen, typically at 1.3 to 2 times the normal atmospheric pressure (ATA).
Under these conditions, oxygen dissolves more efficiently into the bloodstream and reaches tissues, muscles, and cells that may need repair.
This increase in oxygen levels helps to:
- Speed up recovery from injuries and fatigue
- Reduce inflammation and swelling
- Improve circulation and blood flow
- Support collagen production and tissue repair
- Enhance focus and energy levels
Originally designed for medical treatments such as decompression sickness and carbon monoxide poisoning, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is now an established tool for sports recovery and wellness therapy around the world.
Why LeBron Relies on Hyperbaric Therapy
Basketball is physically demanding. Constant jumping, sprinting, and collisions put enormous pressure on the body. For LeBron, recovery is not just about feeling good but about ensuring he can perform at his best every single game.
1. Faster Muscle Repair
After tough workouts, microscopic tears form in the muscles. These small injuries are part of building strength but they also cause soreness. HBOT accelerates the healing process by delivering more oxygen to damaged cells, allowing them to recover more quickly.
2. Reduced Inflammation
Inflammation slows down recovery and contributes to fatigue. The increased oxygen flow from HBOT helps remove inflammatory toxins and encourages faster tissue repair.
3. Improved Circulation
Better circulation means more nutrients reach the muscles and organs. HBOT promotes the creation of new blood vessels, improving overall cardiovascular function and endurance.
4. Brain Recovery and Focus
Beyond physical recovery, HBOT supports mental sharpness. Research suggests that increased oxygen levels enhance concentration, mental clarity, and decision-making, which are all vital for an athlete on the court.
5. Longevity and Consistency
At nearly 40, LeBron continues to outperform younger players. HBOT plays a crucial role in maintaining his energy levels, muscle health, and recovery efficiency, proving that longevity in sports is possible with consistent care and advanced recovery tools.
What Happens During a Hyperbaric Session?
A typical hyperbaric oxygen session lasts around 60 to 90 minutes, similar to what LeBron does. Inside the chamber, the user sits or reclines while breathing oxygen through a mask or nasal cannula.
As the pressure increases, the user might feel a mild sensation in the ears similar to what happens during an aeroplane take-off. Once the pressure stabilises, the experience becomes calm and comfortable. Many users read, listen to music, or simply relax during the session.
Afterwards, the pressure is slowly reduced, and most people feel energised, relaxed, and clear-headed.
Why Athletes and Celebrities Use HBOT
LeBron is not the only one who uses hyperbaric therapy. Athletes such as Cristiano Ronaldo and public figures like Justin Bieber have also shared their use of hyperbaric chambers as part of their wellness routines.
Professional athletes understand that recovery is as important as training. HBOT provides a natural and non-invasive way to reduce downtime, promote healing, and enhance performance without drugs or surgical intervention.
It has become an essential part of sports science and high-performance recovery across the world.
Can Non-Athletes Benefit Too?
Yes. While LeBron’s schedule and intensity are exceptional, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not limited to athletes.
It is now widely used by:
- Fitness enthusiasts looking to speed up recovery
- Office workers dealing with fatigue or stress
- Individuals managing chronic fatigue or post-viral symptoms
- People seeking improved energy, focus, and skin health
Thanks to modern advancements, home-based hyperbaric chambers are becoming increasingly common. Brands such as Oxygens have made it possible for individuals and clinics to access high-quality HBOT safely and conveniently.
A Quick Word on Quality: Why Choose Oxygens Hyperbaric Chambers
While LeBron has access to some of the best facilities in the world, the growing popularity of HBOT means choosing a safe and reliable chamber is essential.
That is where Oxygens makes a difference.
Oxygens designs and manufactures its hyperbaric chambers in the UK, ensuring strict control over quality and safety. Each chamber is built using high-frequency welded TPU, which is the industry standard for pressure vessels. Unlike low-cost alternatives, this ensures that the chambers are built for long-term durability and safety.
Every Oxygens chamber is tested above its standard operating pressure and equipped with medical-grade components, including certified oxygen concentrators, compressors, and triple-zip systems for strength and convenience.
Oxygens chambers are also fully compliant with EMC standards, ensuring that they operate safely alongside other electronic devices, whether used at home, in physiotherapy clinics, or in wellness centres.
This level of engineering gives users access to the same oxygen therapy benefits that top athletes like LeBron James rely on, but within a safe and accessible environment.
The Takeaway: Recovery Is the Real Game-Changer
LeBron James’s continued success in basketball is a lesson in commitment to recovery. His disciplined use of technologies such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy shows that elite performance is built on proper rest, healing, and recovery.
By prioritising recovery as much as training, LeBron has redefined what it means to stay in peak condition across decades of competition.
And with innovations from companies like Oxygens, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is no longer limited to elite athletes. It is now an accessible way for anyone to breathe better, recover faster, and live stronger.