Ever wonder how elite athletes like Cameron Brink stay at the top of their game? It's not just about the hours on the court; it's also about what happens when the game is over. The Los Angeles Sparks forward offers a peek into her post-game wellness routine, revealing the secrets behind her success. Brink, a rising star in the WNBA, is making the most of her off-season, balancing intense workouts with essential self-care practices. She's gearing up for a busy 2026, with the second season of the three-on-three league Unrivaled and her third WNBA season with the Sparks. Let's dive into her daily life and see what we can learn!
Brink's routine starts with a focus on fueling her body. "I'm a big breakfast girl," she shares, highlighting her love for overnight oats and chia seed pudding. She's teaming up with MyFitnessPal to share recipes and encourage people to track their meals. But here's where it gets controversial... Brink emphasizes the importance of being intentional about what she puts into her body, especially as an athlete recovering from injuries. She doesn't restrict herself but focuses on getting enough of the good stuff, allowing for flexibility the rest of the day.
After a high-energy game, winding down is crucial. Brink and her teammates often struggle to sleep, so she has a consistent routine to calm her nervous system. She prioritizes immediate recovery, often eating dinner while receiving treatment and then listening to podcasts or white noise to relax. "It's hard after the game — it's really intense to get your nervous system to come back down, so I try to be constant with that," she explains.
When it comes to relaxation, Brink enjoys rain sounds, white noise, or brown noise to soothe her mind. She also recommends podcasts like SmartLess and The Telepathy Tapes. She's even working on listening to more books, encouraged by her fiancé.
Post-game, Brink's go-to meal is rice, chicken, and asparagus. She also drinks protein shakes and tart cherry juice, which she believes is better than melatonin for sleep. After a win, the team debriefs, but they are usually ready to head home and rest. Brink's routine doesn't change much after a loss; she focuses on learning from the experience and discussing it with her coaches. She approaches both wins and losses with a focus on improvement and visualization. Brink visualizes her performance and interactions, whether in games or with coaches, and also tries to meditate more.
For the new year, Brink's primary intention is to be present, in tune with the moment, and lead with gratitude. She embraces the idea of authenticity and gratitude as a 'cheat code' for life, aiming to live in the moment and reduce phone usage. She's also manifesting a dry wedding day, as she is planning a fall wedding.
What do you think about Brink's approach to wellness? Do you agree with her emphasis on intentional eating and recovery? Share your thoughts in the comments below!