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How Caitlin Clark Changed Her Workouts For Muscle Gains In WNBA Offseason

It’s still early in Caitlin Clark‘s sophomore WNBA season, but the Indiana Fever guard is already going viral just for stepping on the court. Photos of her arm muscles gained traction back in March, when she was merely a spectator at an Iowa Hawkeyes game (“Well someone’s been in the weight room” photographer Bri Lewerke […]

Published

1 month ago

May 21, 2025

Your Sports Nation

How Caitlin Clark Changed Her Workouts For Muscle Gains In WNBA Offseason

It’s still early in Caitlin Clark‘s sophomore WNBA season, but the Indiana Fever guard is already going viral just for stepping on the court.

Photos of her arm muscles gained traction back in March, when she was merely a spectator at an Iowa Hawkeyes game (“Well someone’s been in the weight room” photographer Bri Lewerke observed). By the time the Fever’s season opener against the Chicago Sky tipped off last weekend, “Caitlin Clark muscles” was a breakout Google search.

Caitlin has indeed been in the weight room. She spent the seven-month WNBA offseason quietly grinding in the gym, putting in reps with the Fever’s coaching and training staffs to build strength and refine her game.

But buffer biceps are merely a side effect to a carefully constructed training plan designed to make her an even more formidable opponent on the court, she tells Women’s Health. “That was the number one thing I knew I needed to improve, is just how strong I was,” she says.

While her time on the court is a veritable highlight reel of logo threes and blockbuster plays, Caitlin is the first to acknowledge how much work it takes behind the scenes to be able to execute storybook moments game after game. “People see us playing basketball two times a week, three times a week, but they don’t see all the little things,” she says.

She’s also starring in a new ad for State Farm’s “With The Assist” platform, celebrating all the big and small assists that help her out both on and off the court. “There’s been a lot of people that have assisted me throughout the course of my life,” she says, “whether it’s been really great coaches or great teammates or friends and family that have helped allow me to get to this spot.”

Ahead, Caitlin shares the unexpected tweaks she made in the offseason to ensure she’s hitting those iconic shots with even more muscle than before.

More On Caitlin ClarkStaying ConsistentIn 2024, Caitlin went from a fast-paced college season directly to the WNBA in just a few weeks. And in both scenarios, her lifting days were mostly geared around maintaining her strength and prioritizing recovery between games. “It’s really hard to go to the weight room the next day and just heavy lift. That’s basically impossible,” she says. “I wouldn’t be able to get the ball to the rim the next day.” So when she finally hit her first pro offseason in September, she knew the priority would be to put on muscle and build strength in ways she couldn’t before.Thankfully, she really only had to change one key factor about her lifts: Consistency. Whether she was on the road or at home in Indianapolis with the Fever’s trainers, she prioritized hitting the gym and progressing her lifts four times a week. “It wasn’t like, new lifts or new things that I’ve never tried before,” she explains. “It was just being really consistent for seven months.”Lifting heavy isn’t really Caitlin’s idea of a good time, but she does thrive with a routine and she loves the feeling of knocking out her workouts first thing in the morning. She also finds ways to make it fun—mostly by distracting her coaches and teammates.“My lifts take a long time, because I chat with everybody that’s in there,” she says. “If you’re going to be a professional athlete, you better find a way to find some joy in it, because that’s your job and that’s what you get to do for a living.” caitlin clark

Getty ImagesTrain For EnduranceOther teams’ scouting reports have been showing Caitlin one major thing: She’ll need to be physical on the court, “and I shy away from that at times,” she says. So from a practical perspective, her muscle-building goals will allow her to take more hits and not fatigue as quickly.Beyond brute strength, Caitlin is also focused on less sexy achievements like balance and increasing her time under tension. (The latter is a form of progressive overload training that keeps muscles under resistance for an extended period of time with the intent to increase their durability and endurance.)

For Caitlin, that might mean doing something like holding an isometric squat for as long as possible (IRL, this looks like getting low on defense or dribbling). “At times, I tend to play very straight up,” she explains. “So it’s being able to be comfortable in a squat or in a defensive stance.”

The Fever’s performance coach works closely with the player development coach to translate on-court movements into functional lifts. “It’s just like, what basketball skills can we try to replicate in the weight room? Pushing off a certain leg, or things like that,” Caitlin says. “It’s twofold—how are you getting better on the court, but how can the weight room help you get better at those things as well?”

Train The Brain

On the day she got drafted last year, Caitlin told WH she believed therapy “should be normal for college student athletes.” Looking back on her college career now, she says things really clicked for her during her junior and senior year at Iowa when she started working with mental performance coaches, a practice she’s continued since joining the Fever. “I think that’s the area that takes you over the top when you’re playing a sport,” she says.

Gregory Shamus//Getty Images

The Fever experienced plenty of roster changes this offseason, and Caitlin says they’re still learning to gel together. Perspective has been a key component in helping Caitlin stay in the game mentally as she employs all the technical skills she’s been working on with her coaches.

“Not every night’s going to be great, not every night you’re going to shoot the ball well. It’s going to be frustrating when those nights happen, but how do you respond? How do you get better? How do you stay neutral during those games to still help your team win, even though things might not be going your way?” she says. “When you’re competing at this high of a level and a lot of people are watching you, the mental side of it is almost more important than the physical skills of basketball.”

Caitlin has said that success this season will look like winning a championship, period—but it’s clear she is willing to put in the work to get there. “Not everything’s going to be perfect—and it’s easy to say, but when you get into the heat of battle, that can be a little hard,” she says. “But we get to play in front of a lot of fans every single night. Enjoy that, embrace it, use it to the best of our ability, and I think that’ll make for a really special season.”

Amanda Lucci is the director of special projects at Women’s Health, where she works on multi-platform brand initiatives and social media strategy. She also leads the sports and athletes vertical, traveling to cover the Paris Olympics, Women’s World Cup, WNBA Finals, and NCAA Final Four for WH. She has nearly 15 years of experience writing, editing, and managing social media for national and international publications and is also a NASM-certified personal trainer. A proud native of Pittsburgh, PA, she is a graduate of Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. Follow her on Instagram @alucci.

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Footballer speaks out as video of him 'knocking woman out with chair' goes viral

The footballer caught up in an Ibiza hotel brawl has spoken out after a video of him allegedly knocking a woman out with a chair goes viral. In shocking footage captured at Ibiza’s Marco Polo Hotel in San Antonio, two groups of men were seen arguing at the side of the pool, with a female […]

Published

4 hours ago

June 26, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Footballer speaks out as video of him 'knocking woman out with chair' goes viral

The footballer caught up in an Ibiza hotel brawl has spoken out after a video of him allegedly knocking a woman out with a chair goes viral.

In shocking footage captured at Ibiza’s Marco Polo Hotel in San Antonio, two groups of men were seen arguing at the side of the pool, with a female holidaymaker attempting to diffuse the situation between the men.

As the row turns physical, one man hurls a chair at the other group but accidentally hits the woman on the head, causing her to collapse to the ground.

The man has since been identified as Oldham Athletic striker Kian Harratt, with the 23-year-old footballer since coming forward to share his version of events with the public.

Taking to his TikTok account, Harratt shared a clip of what appears to be taken in the moments before the fight before the fight exploded.

The incident has since gone viral online (X)

In the post’s caption, Harratt claimed that he’d stepped in to defend a friend of his, who’d apparently been attacked after confronting another man for making people feel ‘uncomfortable’ at the pool.

Explaining his version of events, he explained that he hadn’t intentionally hit the woman with a chair, saying it was an accident.

“I picked the chair up and threw it back and it accidentally hit the woman who as you can see went down a bit easy but besides that I was very apologetic and I felt terrible,” he wrote.

The footballer then gave some wider context into what happened in the moments leading up to the brawl, writing: “Here’s the fella who started it all and let me just say he was the worst man you could ever come across and a bully! He was 6,6 and built like a brick!

“Anyways he was swimming over to young couples while there at chilling and trying to make the lad feel uncomfortable flirting with there girls and all sorts off daft stuff like that!”

Harratt went on to explain that a member of his group, who was just 18-years-old, intervened by jumping in the pool and splashing the man.

The striker has since shared his version of events (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

“After that my mate got out off the pool and the big fella shouted over to him ‘wtf are you looking at’ so obviously my mates said to him ‘I’m looking at you the fella’,” he continued.

The man then allegedly punched Harratt’s friend in the face before kicking him after he fell down, which is the point where the footballer and his friends intervened.

“I’d have felt even worse if we left my mate to get badly beaten up while he’s trying to enjoy his holiday,” he said before concluding the post.

“I hope this video opens peoples eyes I had to post it cause I’ve had nothing but abuse all morning and I’m sure this will clear it or so it should.”

Meanwhile, a man who claimed to be a part of the other group shared his version of events in a post on Facebook, claiming that Harratt’s group were ‘being n*bs around the pool’ and splashing other hotel guests.

Meanwhile, the hotel has since released a statement about the incident, telling the Oldham Times: “The fight in the pool lasted less than three minutes since our corporate security at the hotel acted immediately.

“No chairs were thrown at any guests; the lady got in the middle, it seems that with the intention to stop the fight.

“The lady was asked by our security members if she wanted to report to the police and file a complaint, but she said she was okay and she did not want to, that she just slipped and she was fine, and she thanked our security members.

“It took less than three minutes for the incident to end since our security acted quickly, and as soon as they acted, the fighters left the pool area.

“It really is a shame for us and for our teams to have to deal with this kind of issue, especially when people are supposed to come on holiday to enjoy and have fun, and not to act in other ways.”

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Maria Harper steals the spotlight as her son Dylan Harper's basketball game goes viral

A Mother’s Moment in the Spotlight In the world of sports, moments of triumph often extend beyond the players themselves, illuminating the journeys of those who support them. Recently, Maria Harper, the mother of promising basketball talent Dylan Harper, found herself at the center of attention, captivating audiences as a video of her joyful presence […]

Published

14 hours ago

June 26, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Maria Harper steals the spotlight as her son Dylan Harper's basketball game goes viral

A Mother’s Moment in the Spotlight

In the world of sports, moments of triumph often extend beyond the players themselves, illuminating the journeys of those who support them. Recently, Maria Harper, the mother of promising basketball talent Dylan Harper, found herself at the center of attention, captivating audiences as a video of her joyful presence at her son’s game went viral.

A Son’s Rising Star

Dylan Harper, a rising star in the basketball arena, has been making headlines for his impressive skills on the court. As a member of the elite high school basketball ranks, his performances have drawn the eyes of scouts and fans alike. However, it was not solely his athletic prowess that captured the public’s heart; it was the unwavering support of his mother that resonated deeply with viewers.

The Viral Moment

The video that sparked Maria’s newfound fame showcases a heartwarming interaction between mother and son during a recent game. Amid the cheers and the intensity of the match, Maria’s exuberant reactions—clapping, cheering, and celebrating each of Dylan’s accomplishments—paint a vivid picture of a mother’s pride and dedication. This genuine display of emotion struck a chord with many, illustrating the powerful bond between a parent and child in the competitive world of sports.

The Impact of Support

Maria Harper’s emergence as a viral sensation highlights the often-overlooked role of family in an athlete’s journey. Her commitment to supporting Dylan goes beyond mere attendance at games; it embodies the sacrifices and encouragement that shape young athletes. As Dylan navigates the pressures of his burgeoning basketball career, having a supportive figure like Maria by his side offers a crucial emotional anchor.

Reflections on the Journey

The attention surrounding Maria Harper serves as a reminder of the stories that often lie behind athletic achievements. It underscores the importance of community and familial support in cultivating talent. As Dylan continues to develop his skills and pursue his dreams, the influence of his mother will undoubtedly remain a vital part of his narrative.

Looking Ahead

As the basketball season progresses, all eyes will be on Dylan Harper, not just for his performance but also for the inspiring presence of Maria. Their story is a testament to the powerful connections that fuel the dreams of young athletes. In a landscape where the spotlight often shines solely on the players, Maria’s moment of recognition invites us to celebrate the unsung heroes behind the scenes, reminding us that every athlete’s journey is a shared experience.

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Ja'Marr Chase dazzles with basketball prowess as B. Maze Elite AAU highlights go viral

Ja’Marr Chase’s Basketball Skills Shine in Viral AAU Highlights In a captivating display of athletic versatility, Ja’Marr Chase, widely known for his electrifying performances on the football field as a star receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, has recently turned heads with his basketball skills. Highlights from his time with the B. Maze Elite AAU team […]

Published

2 days ago

June 25, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Ja'Marr Chase dazzles with basketball prowess as B. Maze Elite AAU highlights go viral

Ja’Marr Chase’s Basketball Skills Shine in Viral AAU Highlights

In a captivating display of athletic versatility, Ja’Marr Chase, widely known for his electrifying performances on the football field as a star receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, has recently turned heads with his basketball skills. Highlights from his time with the B. Maze Elite AAU team have gone viral, showcasing his impressive agility, coordination, and scoring ability on the court.

The footage, shared by Overtime, reveals Chase’s dynamic playing style, where he effortlessly transitions between dribbling, shooting, and making plays that have fans reminiscing about his dual-sport talent. This glimpse into his basketball prowess not only entertains but also highlights the multifaceted nature of Chase’s athletic capabilities, sparking discussions among fans and analysts alike about the potential of multi-sport athletes in today’s competitive landscape.

A Glimpse into Ja’Marr Chase’s Athletic Journey

Chase’s journey to becoming a first-round NFL draft pick is marked by a rich background in sports. Before making waves in the NFL, he was a standout in high school, excelling in both football and basketball. This dual-sport experience has undoubtedly contributed to his exceptional hand-eye coordination and agility, traits that have made him a formidable force on the football field. His ability to switch gears and adapt to different sports speaks volumes about his athleticism and dedication.

The Impact of Viral Moments on Young Athletes

The viral nature of Chase’s AAU highlights serves as a reminder of the power of social media in shaping athletes’ narratives and careers. In an era where clips can reach millions within moments, young athletes are increasingly aware of the importance of showcasing their talents across various platforms. For aspiring players, Chase’s highlights offer inspiration and a tangible example of how diverse skills can enhance one’s overall athletic profile.

Reflecting on Future Possibilities

As Ja’Marr Chase continues to make his mark in the NFL, his basketball highlights remind fans and analysts alike of the potential that lies within multi-sport athletes. The crossover appeal of such talents can influence recruitment strategies and training methodologies in both sports. As the lines between athletic disciplines blur, the spotlight on Chase’s basketball skills may encourage a new generation of athletes to explore and excel in multiple sports, fostering versatility and creativity in their athletic pursuits.

In conclusion, Ja’Marr Chase’s basketball highlights not only entertain but also enrich the narrative surrounding his burgeoning career. They serve as a testament to his extraordinary athleticism and the broader implications of embracing multi-sport talent in an increasingly specialized world of sports. As he continues to shine in the NFL, fans eagerly await what other surprises he may have in store, both on and off the field.

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Tyreek Hill accuses IShowSpeed of clout

What was supposed to be a thrilling crossover showdown between one of the NFL’s fastest men, Tyreek Hill, and Olympic track champion Noah Lyles has spiraled into online drama and controversy. Fans were eagerly anticipating the unique clash of speed and athleticism, widely hyped across social media platforms—thanks in part to viral YouTuber IShowSpeed. However, […]

Published

2 days ago

June 25, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Tyreek Hill fires shot at IShowSpeed after Noah Lyles cancels race

NFL fans and track enthusiasts alike were buzzing over the idea of Hill, often called the fastest player in football, racing against Lyles, a world-class sprinter. Promoted by social media and fueled by influencer IShowSpeed’s viral presence, the event had the makings of a spectacle.

However, when Lyles withdrew, citing unclear reasons, the disappointment was overshadowed by Tyreek Hill’s fiery social media post. “Keep my name out of the clout chasers’ mouths,” Hill posted on X. “I race real athletes, not YouTubers tryna get views.”

The post seemed squarely aimed at IShowSpeed, who had helped stir attention by tagging both athletes in videos, memes, and live commentary. Taken aback, Speed addressed Hill’s jab during a live stream. Visibly emotional, he said: “I ain’t doing this for fame. I love sports, man. I thought it’d be fun for everyone. If I did too much, I’m sorry.”

Speed’s fans quickly jumped to his defense, pointing out that his enthusiastic coverage played a big role in generating buzz for the race. Many criticized Hill for taking aim at a content creator who genuinely appeared excited about the matchup.

While influencer-athlete collaborations are more common than ever, this situation shows the tension that can arise when competitive legacy clashes with online entertainment. Tyreek Hill’s message made it clear he values competition over content.

As for IShowSpeed, his earnest reaction won him sympathy and raised questions about whether traditional athletes underestimate the role of influencers in modern sports culture.

Also Read: Cooper DeJean humiliates Patrick Mahomes with petty autograph stunt after embarrassing him in Super Bowl blowout

Though the race is off, the firestorm surrounding it may just have started a new conversation about respect, relevance, and responsibility on both sides of the screen.

Get IPL 2025 match schedules, squads, points table, and live scores for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.

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Commanders QB Jayden Daniels goes viral with Bengals' Joe Burrow

Fanatics Fest NYC was packed with big-name athletes from all corners of the sports world. But it was the unexpected moments—like the link-up between Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and another star that had fans talking. A memorable moment came when the two former LSU quarterbacks, Daniels and Burrow, were spotted casually tossing a football […]

Published

2 days ago

June 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels goes viral with Bengals' Joe Burrow

A memorable moment came when the two former LSU quarterbacks, Daniels and Burrow, were spotted casually tossing a football around during the action-packed weekend. It was a full-circle moment for football fans.

Burrow played quarterback at LSU from 2018 to 2019, leading the Tigers to a national championship and winning the Heisman Trophy in his senior year. A few years later, Daniels took over as LSU’s quarterback from 2022–2023 and went on to win the Heisman himself.

Jayden Daniels & Joe Burrow passing the football at Fanatics Fest

(via:@deeksports on TikTok) pic.twitter.com/fCWoCj2W9V

— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) June 22, 2025

Now, both are recognized as stars in the NFL have both already led their teams to franchise history as quarterbacks.

At Fanatics Fest NYC, you can always expect the unexpected. With its blend of sports and entertainment, the event creates space for iconic moments, like this LSU reunion between Burrow and Daniels.

Daniels, heading into his second season with the Commanders, was everywhere throughout the weekend. From a panel with NFL legends to a conversation with team owner Josh Harris, to a WWE-style entrance set to a Travis Scott song, and then this moment with Burrow only added to the weekend.

In their passing session they weren’t worried about competition. It was a shared moment of mutual respect between the two Heisman winners, offering fans a glimpse of greatness rooted in purple and gold.

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2025 offseason.

• 3 Commanders among NFL’s top 100 players

• Commanders make important announcement ahead of 2025 season

• Commanders face early pressure test while rivals chase legacy goals

• Jayden Daniels gets big praise from rival Giants wide receiver

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College football player goes viral with weird name (which mom didn't approve)

A college football player became one of the most-talked about NCAA athletes over the weekend, but not because of his stats. Bowling Green University linebacker Gideon Lampron went viral on social media after fans learned his legal middle name is ESPN. His family pronounces it “Ess-pen,” but his dad admits he chose the unusual name […]

Published

2 days ago

June 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

College football player goes viral with weird name (which mom didn't approve)

A college football player became one of the most-talked about NCAA athletes over the weekend, but not because of his stats.

Bowling Green University linebacker Gideon Lampron went viral on social media after fans learned his legal middle name is ESPN. His family pronounces it “Ess-pen,” but his dad admits he chose the unusual name (written in all capital letters) as a tribute to the Disney-owned sports channel (originally named the Entertainment Sports Programming Network).

Gideon’s father, Marty Lampron, told the Dayton Daily News that he chose “ESPN” because he’s a big sports fan. However, he didn’t get his wife’s approval when he put the name on Gideon’s birth certificate — she wanted the middle name to be Xavier and said “no” when Marty suggested ESPN.

“I grew up in Boston. I went for months trying to talk my wife into letting me name him Larry Bird. It didn’t go well,” Marty told the Dayton Daily News in September.

“Then she delivers Gideon, and she’s out of it and the nurse comes for me to sign the birth certificate. When I signed it, I literally printed ‘ESPN’ in capital letters. She was out cold when I did it. When she woke up, I told her I did it, and she said, ‘No, you didn’t.’ She didn’t realize I did it. She wasn’t happy with me.”

Gideon ESPN Lampron, a junior LB from Keystone, Ohio, transferred to Bowling Green this spring after spending the past three years at the University of Dayton. According to Total Pro Sports, he started as a zero-star recruit in FCS and redshirted the 2022 season, but made 51 tackles in 2023 despite only starting once. He finished the 2024 season with 99 total tackles, including 56 solo, plus 6.5 sacks and two forced fumbles, earning him Football Championship Subdivision All-American First Team honors and offers from FBS schools, including Kent State, UTEP, Eastern Michigan, Ball State and Bowling Green.

Lampron’s weird middle name got attention from Yahoo Sports, Barstool Sports, and other publications, but he’s hoping he can live up to his lifelong association with “The Worldwide Leader in Sports.”

“I want to make my dad proud, because him making my middle name ‘ESPN,’ it has set some expectations. I am just trying to deliver,” Gideon told The Morning Journal in September. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Some of my friends would laugh. I never really hid it, I just never talked about it ever. Now, this is something that my friends are finding out. I have it on my Instagram and (X). I love (my middle name).”