A focused adult performing a bodyweight squat in a gritty Memphis warehouse gym, demonstrating functional fitness.

Grizzlies Game Day Workout: Stay Fit While Cheering!

April 09, 20266 min read

The Grizzlies Game Day Workout: Stay Fit While Cheering on Your Team

Do you ever feel like your fitness goals take a backseat when the Grizzlies are playing? You're not alone. The energy of game day, the anticipation, the camaraderie — it’s all fantastic, but it can often mean less time for your personal wellness. But what if you could harness that same game-day energy to fuel your fitness, instead of letting it derail you?

Here in Memphis, our love for the Grizzlies is undeniable. And just like the city's fitness landscape has grown — mirroring the national surge in health club memberships, up 14% from pre-pandemic levels in 2023 — so has our understanding that staying active is key to a vibrant life. We've seen similar surges in local gyms, driven by a renewed post-COVID focus on wellness. We know many of you, especially NBA fans aged 25-44, are already thinking about this; a 2024 sports fitness survey found that 72% of you engage in workouts on game days to stay energized. That’s a powerful statistic, and it tells us you’re looking for ways to integrate fitness into your busy life, even when the Grizzlies are on.

At Fit 901, we believe in sustainable results, not just quick fixes. We know you're tired of starting over, and we're here to offer a real plan, real coaching, and real accountability that actually fits your life. This includes those exciting game days. So, let’s talk about how to make your Grizzlies game day an opportunity to boost your health and energy, not detract from it.

1. Prioritize Functional Fitness: Quick & Effective

Game days are busy. You might be heading to FedExForum, gathering with friends, or just soaking in the atmosphere. This is where functional fitness shines. Functional movements mimic everyday activities, building strength, mobility, and endurance that directly translate to better quality of life. Think about it: carrying groceries, playing with grandkids, or even just getting up from your seat to cheer — these all benefit from functional strength.

The demand for functional training has spiked locally, with Memphis functional fitness participation growing 28% year-over-year in 2025. This isn't just for tactical professionals and first responders; it's for anyone who wants efficient, effective workouts. Instead of long, drawn-out gym sessions, focus on compound movements that work multiple muscle groups. A 20-30 minute routine can make a huge difference.

  • Warm-up (5 minutes): Light cardio like jumping jacks, arm circles, leg swings.
  • Bodyweight Circuit (15-20 minutes): Perform 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions for each exercise with minimal rest between exercises:
    • Squats: Great for lower body strength, essential for getting up and down.
    • Push-ups: Builds upper body and core strength. Modify on your knees if needed.
    • Lunges: Improves leg strength and balance.
    • Plank: Core stability is crucial for everything. Hold for 30-60 seconds.
    • Glute Bridges: Activates glutes and strengthens the posterior chain.
  • Cool-down (5 minutes): Gentle stretches, focusing on major muscle groups worked.

This kind of routine is efficient and effective, giving you the energy boost you need without sacrificing valuable game-day prep time.

2. Fuel Your Body Smartly: Nutrition for Performance & Enjoyment

Game day often involves snacks, drinks, and maybe a meal out. This doesn't mean you have to completely deprive yourself, but being mindful of your nutrition can significantly impact your energy levels and overall well-being. No gimmicks, no guesswork — just practical choices.

  • Hydration is Key: Before, during, and after the game, make sure you're drinking plenty of water. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and headaches, which will definitely dampen your cheering spirit.
  • Prioritize Protein: If you're having a pre-game meal, focus on lean proteins like chicken, fish, or legumes. Protein helps keep you full and provides sustained energy.
  • Smart Snacking: Instead of reaching for highly processed snacks, opt for fruits, vegetables with hummus, or a handful of nuts. If you're indulging, do so mindfully and in moderation.
  • GLP-1 and Peptide Support: For those looking for additional support in their weight loss journey, physician-led medical weight loss, including GLP-1 and peptide support, has shown significant results. Usage among weight loss clients in the South rose 40% in 2025, and combining this support with strength training can lead to twice as fast fat loss results. This isn't about quick fixes; it's about leveraging science for sustainable health outcomes.

3. Leverage Accountability: Consistency Beyond the Gym

We've all been there — full of good intentions, only to have them fizzle out. This is why accountability is so powerful, especially for busy individuals. 81% of working parents in urban areas like Memphis report better adherence with non-gym habit systems, sustaining results 165 hours/week outside sessions. This means having a system and support that keeps you on track, even when you're not physically in the gym.

Whether it's a quick functional workout before heading to the arena or making smart food choices, having someone — or a system — to check in with makes all the difference. At Fit 901, our personalized coaching extends beyond your training sessions, providing the guidance and accountability to help you build habits that stick. We meet you where you are, understanding that life doesn't stop just because you're committed to your health.

4. Healthy Aging & Strength: A Lifelong Game Plan

It's never too late to invest in your strength and longevity. In fact, 65% of Memphis adults 50+ now prioritize muscle-building and healthy aging programs, with retention rates at an impressive 85% for personalized coaching. This isn't just about looking good; it's about maintaining independence, vitality, and the ability to enjoy life to the fullest, including cheering on your favorite team for years to come.

Strength training is foundational for healthy aging. It helps prevent muscle loss (sarcopenia), improves bone density, enhances balance, and boosts metabolic health. Incorporating even short bursts of strength work on game days contributes to this larger, lifelong goal. It’s about building a resilient body that can handle whatever life throws at it, from a busy work week to an exhilarating Grizzlies overtime.

Don't let game day be an excuse to fall off track. Instead, see it as another opportunity to build on your commitment to a stronger, healthier you. At Fit 901, we're here to provide the personalized strength training, nutrition guidance, accountability, and specialized support — including functional fitness, healthy aging, tactical fitness, and physician-led medical weight loss — to ensure you achieve sustainable results. You're tired of starting over; let us help you build a plan that truly works.

Ready to build a fitness routine that actually fits your life, even on Grizzlies game days?

Book a Free Consult! https://fit901.com/resources/strength-longevity

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