"Saw my death bed": Fever's Sophie Cunningham shows off her physical prowess with brutal workout routine ahead of WNBA season

By Michael Macasero

Modified Apr 03, 2025 03:25 GMT

Sophie Cunningham has been working hard in the offseason. [photo: @sophie_cham/Ig]

Sophie Cunningham has been working hard ahead of the opening of the WNBA training camp. The Indiana Fever does not start to train together until late in April but the shooting guard has already started putting in the work.

On Wednesday, she posted a few clips of her regimen. She wrote on IG story after spending time on an assault bike:

“Sorry for cussing but I saw my death bed during and after this”

Sophie Cunningham posts her offseason work on Wednesday. [photo: @sophie_cham/IG]

Prescription Fitness describes an assault bike as:

“A low-impact, high-output cardio machine that combines the arm action you get on an elliptical and the workout you get on a stationary bike. The faster you go, the higher the resistance.”

A visibly winded Cunningham cussed out after a stretch on the equipment. As one of the fittest and hardest-working players in the WNBA, it was no surprise that cardio is a top priority. Cunningham said in her introductory press conference that hard work is her “bread and butter.”

Sophie Cunningham also gave her legs a tough workout with a kettlebell exercise. The former Phoenix Mercury star wrote on IG:

“Had my legs feeling like noodies today”

Cunningham giving her leg a blast with a kettlebell workout. [photo: @sophie_cham/IG]

Sophie Cunningham called “Forrest Gump” for her playing style

Indiana Fever GM Amber Cox told reporters in early February why she traded for Sophie Cunningham. According to Cox, who is also the chief operating officer, Cunningham is “perfect for the style we want to play.”

The Fever could be looking to push the pace more with Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell running the team. Cunningham has expressed her excitement because it fits her style of play.

Cunningham added in her latest chat with reporters:

"I like to run, I get the name Forrest Gump sometimes and I’m like, ‘Hey, if you guys wanna call me that, that’s fine. I’ll beat you down the court every time.’”

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The offseason work on her cardio and legs will likely have long-term benefits for Cunningham, especially when Clark and Mitchell push the ball to create easy opportunities for the team in transition.

About the author

Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael's background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Michael respects Gregg Popovich, despite his contentious demeanor in interviews, and recognizes Popovich's genius in adapting his coaching style to maximize the talent on his roster over the years. Michael eagerly anticipates seeing how Popovich will structure the offense around emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Understanding the story and details is crucial to Michael's reporting philosophy and he believes overlooking details, particularly when pressed for time, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Aside from work, Michael's children are his hobbies, and he also likes to go running, swimming and weightlifting.

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Edited by Dipayan Moitra