The consensus among NBA observers is that Michael Jordan is the best player in franchise history. Much of this reasoning is based on the fact that Jordan won six NBA titles in six tries and was named Finals Most Valuable Player each time.

Prior to his NBA championship, Jordan was widely acclaimed as the best player of his era in the 1980s. This was often due to his extraordinary offensive and defensive abilities.

Additionally, his execution of the game in the air demonstrated an unparalleled level of elegance and dexterity that remains unmatched to this day. Truly, everyone aspires to “be like Mike.”

That is, with the exception of the Detroit Pistons’ “Bad Boys.” The Pistons have no intention of praising Jordan; rather, they intended to destroy it, which they partially succeeded in doing.

The Detroit Pistons developed a strategy called “The Jordan Rule”, the goal of which was to outplay His Airness every time he went to the basket. Today, Jordan has beaten Detroit several times, including in the 1986-87 and 1987-88 seasons by scores of 61 and 59 respectively.

Despite this, the Pistons succeeded in their strategy of defeating Jordan, who was relatively skinny in the 1980s. They exhausted Jordan to the point that his teammates could do nothing to help him.

The Bulls asked Jordan’s supporting cast to improve their performances and support MJ. Another change was needed to challenge the formidable Pistons.

Jordan had to change his workout routine to gain more muscle. This way, His Airness will be able to withstand contact from Pistons players with less impact, especially in terms of injuries.

During the 1990-1991 season, Jordan had gained 15 pounds of muscle thanks to his new training program. In addition to Jordan’s increase in body mass, several of his peers, including Scottie Pippen, have improved their game.

The Eastern Conference Finals saw the Bulls win 4-0 over the Pistons, sending them to their first NBA Finals. There, they won 4-1 against the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Magic Johnson.

After looking at how Jordan’s workout regimen not only facilitated his victory against the Pistons, but also contributed to his 15-pound muscle gain, we now have to ask one final question… What workout regimen did Michael Jordan have- did he follow that helped him defeat the Detroit Pistons and win six NBA championships?

Michael Jordan’s training program

Michael Jordan teamed up with famous trainer Tim Grover, who designed an ideal training program capable of taking Jordan’s performance to the next level. The training program that helped Michael Jordan defeat the Detroit Pistons’ “Bad Boys” is detailed below.

Basic exercises: medicine ball sit-ups, medicine ball handstand push-ups, leg and calf raises – three sets per week, 10 to 15 reps of each exercise.

Strength training exercises include the following exercises: deadlifts, standing alternating dumbbells, biceps curls, overhead presses, power cleans, balance board squats, bench press, and single-footed Romanian deadlifts. Perform each exercise three days a week for three to five sets of four to eight repetitions.

Step Workouts: For strength and agility exercises, perform each step workout twice per week.

Do five 400-meter sprints with three-minute rest periods during week 1.

Do six 400-meter sprints with three-minute rest periods during week 2.

Do six 400m sprints with two-minute rest periods during the third week.

Judicial Drill: Complete the entire suicide drill in 60 seconds. After three repetitions, allow two minutes between sets.

The suicide drill includes the following: running from the baseline to the free throw line, then back to the starting line. Run from the baseline to half court and vice versa. Run to the baseline after returning to the opposite free throw line. Finish with a full-court reverse run.

Do as many secondary exercises as possible in sixty seconds. After three repetitions, allow two minutes between sets.

After looking at the GOAT’s preparation strategy to beat the Pistons and the entire league, one last thing deserves attention: Jordan’s daily meal prep.

As the Chicago Tribune reports:

A serving of oatmeal mixed with raisins, strawberries and blueberries; scrambled egg whites; and a glass of orange juice included with breakfast.

Bodybuilding smoothies include Gatorade, protein powder, and fresh fruit mid-morning.

Sandwich with chicken breast or lean hamburger with grilled potatoes or pasta; a small green salad for lunch.

Mid-afternoon, have a fitness shake or before race day, a meal including fresh steamed vegetables, lean chicken breast or fillet, pasta or baked potatoes.

“Whatever he wants for dinner,” Tim Grover said.

Michael Jordan intends to defeat the Detroit Pistons, his rival. After three straight playoff losses to Detroit, Jordan was determined to take on this challenge at all costs.

By trusting his teammates, Jordan was able to change his nutrition, training regimen, and overall performance, leading to one of the most remarkable games in NBA history. It takes work to reach GOAT status, and Michael Jordan worked harder than anyone.