Kevin Durant’s training program has helped him to become one of the most valuable players in the National Basketball Association. Drafted in 2007 with the #2 pick by the Seattle Supersonics, Durant went on to win the Rookie of the Year award and has developed into one of the most versatile scoring forwards in the league. In 2010, he won his first NBA Scoring Title and became the youngest player ever to accomplish that feat. Consequently, he was named to the All-NBA 1st team.
Because Kevin Durant is one of the more slight players in the NBA, his trainers have emphasized a program that focuses on his core and stability. This added strength has helped him to become more adept at finishing inside and going to war with bigger, stronger players in the paint. As his body has continued to develop, so has his status in the league, proving that both skill and hard work can take you to the top.
Here are the three key exercises that Durant performs several times a week to maintain and enhance his core stability and power.
KEVIN DURANT’S STABILITY TRAINING PROGRAM
Single-Leg Dumbbell Curl-To-Press – Three to four sets of six to eight reps – Balance on a single-leg, holding the dumbbells at your side. Curl dumbbells to shoulders, then press straight overhead. Be sure to keep the balancing knee slightly bent and don’t over-arch the back. Also, do not swing the weights.
Medicine Ball Multi-Planar Lunge On Core Board – Two to Four sets of nine to twelve reps – From an athletic stance, step forward and 45 degrees left/right onto the Core Board into a lunge position. Complete a rep by lunging to each side. Be sure to keep the lunginf knee behind the toes and keep shoulders straight.
Three-Way Medicine Ball Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift – Two to four sets of five to seven reps – Set up three cones or references points in front of you. Standing on one leg, hold the medicine ball in front of you, fold at the waist and bring the ball down towards one of your three reference cones. Return to start position and repeat until all cones have been attempted. Switch legs and repeat to complete one set.
