Last week, football fans (and wellness nerds like us at Hekas) were treated to something rare: a behind-the-scenes look into the daily routine of one of the world’s most dominant athletes, like Erling Haaland. In his debut YouTube video, Haaland showed us that elite performance doesn’t just come from talent and training… it’s deeply rooted in intentional recovery and lifestyle habits.
And honestly? We loved every second of it.
At Hekas, we work with footballers from grassroots to pros like Joseph Junior Gabriel, and so it’s always fascinating to see what the best of the best are doing behind closed doors. Let’s break down what Haaland does for his recovery and how everyday players (yes, even Sunday leaguers) can benefit from the same principles.
1. “Recovery Isn’t a Spa Day” —It’s Work
In the video, Haaland makes it very clear: “Treatment is not a spa massage.” His therapist Mario jokes about the pain involved but also shows how vital regular therapy, stretching, and soft tissue work are to Haaland’s career longevity.
“His flexibility added to his power is the best combination for an athlete.” – Mario, Haaland’s therapist
This mirrors what we say at Hekas all the time: sports therapy for footballers isn’t about pampering; it’s performance work. Whether it’s IASTM, deep tissue massage, or targeted mobility sessions, our goal is to unlock your body’s potential, reduce injury risk, and speed up your recovery.
2. Groin and Hip Flexibility: Haaland’s Secret Weapon
If you’ve ever seen Haaland score one of his gravity-defying goals, you know his range of motion is off the charts. Turns out, it didn’t come easy.
In the video, he recalls struggling with groin tightness so severe it made him shake during stretches. Fast forward to today, and he can fold deep into flexibility drills thanks to consistent therapy.
This kind of progress is exactly what we see at Hekas. We work with athletes who start out limited or in pain, and through targeted mobility work, we help restore their full athletic range. Hip and groin health are especially vital for footballers who sprint, twist, and change direction constantly.
3. Cold Therapy + Sauna = Elite Reset
After a long day of gym work, food, and training, Haaland finishes with a familiar combo: ice bath + sauna.
He mentions ice baths help with blood flow and mental discipline, while saunas are his go-to “almost every day” for recovery but not before matches.
At Hekas, we love seeing this kind of layered recovery approach. Our clients often ask whether passive recovery methods like saunas or cold plunges are “worth it”. The answer? They’re not magic alone, but when stacked with good sleep, nutrition, and manual therapy, they can seriously elevate your recovery game.
4. Recovery Starts in the Kitchen
One surprising takeaway from the video was Haaland’s obsession with food quality. From raw milk to maple syrup-laced coffee and grass-fed beef, everything he eats is intentional. His partner even notes he got her interested in nutrition.
“He really thinks about what he puts into his body.” – Isabelle Haugseng Johansen
This is the level of detail that sets top athletes apart. Recovery doesn’t start in the physio room—it starts at the dinner table. At Hekas, we always encourage clients to match their therapy with solid fuel, nutrient-dense meals that rebuild the body post-session.
5. Routine, Routine, Routine
From his early-morning walks to stretching sessions, therapy, gym work, meals, and evening saunas, Haaland’s day runs like clockwork.
He doesn’t chase trends. He builds habits. The takeaway? Consistency beats intensity. You don’t need a cryo-chamber or private chef. You need structure, discipline, and smart support like the kind we offer in our athlete recovery programmes in Manchester.
How You Can Recover Like Haaland (Without the Nike Contract)
Not everyone’s an international superstar, but every athlete deserves elite care. At Hekas, we tailor recovery routines to your goals whether you’re managing an injury, prepping for a match, or just want to move better in everyday life.
Like Haaland, you can:
- Improve hip and groin mobility with targeted manual therapy
- Use sports massage and cupping to flush out soreness and boost performance
- Build a recovery routine that balances therapy, stretching, and smart nutrition
- Train smarter, not just harder
If you’re looking to upgrade your recovery routine—and maybe even steal a few tricks from the likes of Erling Haaland—our therapists are here to help.
👉 Book your recovery session today at hekas.co.uk and let’s build your elite routine together.
