John Thomas has spent a lifetime on the basketball court, first as a standout at Minneapolis Roosevelt, then helped lead the Minnesota Gophers to the Final Four and finally playing in the NBA and across ten countries worldwide professionally. But nearly two decades after retirement, John found himself facing a challenge he never had to confront in his playing days: his long-term health.
Now in his late 40s, John has transitioned into a successful business career, but he recently realized that something critical had been left behind.
“I was so focused on succeeding in the corporate world that I stopped focusing on my body. I had to ask myself, what kind of future am I building if I don’t take care of my health?”
John’s story didn’t end with basketball. After his professional career, he held executive roles at Lifetime Fitness and the Minnesota Timberwolves & Lynx, where he focused on driving youth engagement and alumni programming. Today, he leads Sport Marketing at Beautylish, overseeing NIL and national sports partnerships.
Still, the toll of years of elite-level training and years of prioritizing his career had caught up to him. A recent cardiac ablation procedure brought everything into sharper focus.
“After my heart procedure, I knew it was time to reset. I wanted a clear picture of where I’m at, so I can be around for my family and perform at my best in this next chapter of life.”
When John walked into Human Powered Health, his goal was clear: get a baseline. He wanted data, not guesses about his strength, muscle balance and performance potential.
“I came here to see how strong I am, not what I think, but what the numbers say. That’s how I operated in basketball, and that’s how I’m approaching this.”
Through a series of strength, mobility and power assessments, John discovered surprising insights. While his athletic background gave him an edge in some areas, others, like grip strength and hamstring asymmetry, highlighted areas for improvement.
“I’ve always been dominant on my left side, but now I know how much of a difference it makes. This gives me a real training roadmap.”
John’s biggest takeaway? His grip strength test needed major work. This seemingly small detail holds broader implications for functional strength, tendon health and long-term mobility.
“It was humbling. Grip strength correlates with overall health more than I realized, and now it’s at the top of my priority list.”
He also took a hard look at his transition out of basketball. What once was daily high-intensity training had become long hours sitting in meetings and traveling.
“I used to live in the gym. But after I retired and moved into business, I wasn’t working out like I used to. Honestly, I didn’t feel like I needed to, until I saw what I was missing.”
Having spent years working with young athletes, John is passionate about helping others succeed both on and off the court. His biggest piece of advice to up-and-coming athletes and their families?
“Data matters. If I had access to this kind of information as a kid, I would’ve trained differently. You can’t manage what you don’t measure.”
Also adding, “This testing is not only for the pros. It can help build habits now that will serve you forever.”
Today, John is more motivated than ever, not by comparison, but by self-improvement. He’s set his sights on being stronger, more resilient and more present for what matters most.
“I’m not trying to be the old version of me. That guy’s getting left behind. I’m building the next one.”
His visit to Human Powered was a turning point, saying, “This was the reset I needed. I walked away with answers, a plan and a fire to keep growing.”
John Thomas’s story is one of transformation, not onlyfrom athlete to executive, but from reactive to intentional living. It’s a reminder that no matter your age or experience level, there’s always another level to reach, and that True Health Is Self Made.
Looking to get back on track and prioritize your health like John?
Book a free virtual consult with a Human Powered Health performance physiologist and take the first step towards your goals!
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