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Find out how Filipino-American NBA player Jordan Clarkson strikes a mind-body balance

Cadence Loh

·Lifestyle Editor

Updated 17 November 2022 at 1:46 am·6-min read

Jordan Clarkson trains hard in Lululemon workout gear. PHOTO: Lululemon

SG Holiday Shopping 2022 & Gift Guides banner. (PHOTO: Yahoo Life Singapore)

Striking for a balance in life may be as simple as carving out time regularly to indulge in an activity, or two, of your choice. Yahoo Shopping chats with personalities who share their passion for a sport or wellness activities they enjoy, which helps them take on the world with zeal. We hope this monthly series will inspire you to find an interest to add that sparkle to your life.

Jordan Clarkson is a guard for the Utah Jazz and NBA's first Filipino-American basketball player in over three decades. In 2021, the athlete earned the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award. A Lululemon Ambassador since Fall of 2021, Clarkson loves how his partnership with Lululemon matches his approach towards wellness. He trains hard but strikes a balance with recovery routines by listening to his body's needs. We chatted with Clarkson to find out how he inspires everyone to ‘find time to slow down and express [one]self in [one’s] own unique way’. Find out how the star athlete takes care of his mental wellness to give the world the best version of himself.

What is one sport, fitness, or wellness activity you love, and how did you get started?

I got into regular yoga practice during COVID-19 and have added it to my weekly routine. I try to practice three times a week. My training is tough, and taking care of my body during recovery routines – yoga for me – helps me perform at the highest level.

Also, meditation and visualization have been helpful for me. Being able to visualize what comes next helps bring together the physical and mental aspects of the sport.

What are its benefits, and what do you love about it?

Yoga and meditation are self-care practices that allow me to be a stronger teammate and leader — with a level head, knowing I’ve taken care of myself first.

Meditate with Waking Up

How often do you indulge in it, and with whom?

I do yoga three times a week and meditate as much as possible — even if it’s just 5 minutes in the car or at the end of the day. I typically do these things on my own.

As a Lululemon ambassador, could you share 5 of your favourite Lululemon pieces, when you wear them and what you like about them?

The star athlete in Lululemon's outerwear and casual outfits when he's not training. PHOTO: Lululemon

Shop Lululemon

This City Sweat Pullover takes me from the court to the street and is great for being on the go. I also love the City Sweat Jogger—they are so comfortable yet functional.
The Pace Breaker Short is great for training, and I usually pair it with the Metal Vent Tech Short Sleeve.
Also, I’ve been loving the new Parkway Insulated Coat — it’s got that trench coat vibe but is super dope and versatile.
I love my Lululemon underwear, like the Always In Motion Boxer. It’s the best underwear ever.

City Sweat Pullover Hoodie

Metal Vent Tech Short Sleeve Shirt 2.0

After the Utah Jazz traded All-Stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, there're a lot of speculations that you, Bojan Bogdanovic and Mike Conley will also be changed. So where (which team) do you prefer to see yourself play after you say you're ready for whatever happens?

I know I can't control those decisions – for my teammates or myself. We can't ever own the future – we can plan for it and visualize it, but ultimately, you will have to deal with whatever hand you're dealt with. So I'm just going to keep living in the moment. (Note: Bogdanovic was subsequently traded to the Detroit Pistons while Conley and Clarkson are starting guards for the Jazz)

I am living the life I intendedJordan Clarkson, NBA Star, Proud Filipino-American, Lululemon Ambassador

The quest for the first Philippines-born basketball player in the NBA continues after Kai Sotto went undrafted in the last draft. Who do you think is/are the best emerging prospect(s), and in your opinion, what will it take for Filipino players to break the glass ceiling?

It's been fantastic to represent Filipino players, and I'm rooting for more of us to play in the NBA. I've always focused on staying in the moment, and that mindset has helped me get to where I'm at today, so I would encourage others to do the same.

Jordan Clarkson in his element. PHOTO: Lululemon

Please share with us more about your recent experience playing for Gilas Pilipinas. What is next for you and the men’s national basketball team?

It was a blast to be able to represent the country. The fans showed me nothing but love and support, and it was so fun to play for them. I'm hoping we can win some key games in the World Cup next August and qualify for the Olympics; that's the ultimate goal. They're so supportive everywhere. When I was in Manila, it was crazy – many people there cheering me on, and I felt so amped to be there and play for the Philippines.

Was there any point you wanted to give up? Why? How did you bounce back?

I always stay focused on the task, try to be the best teammate possible, and always have my sights set on winning. Whatever happens, good or bad, the world keeps turning, so I've always just been grateful and continue to work hard, and good things have come.

I also really focus on my well-being. Living my authentic life means not putting limitations on my creativity and not trying to fit into a mould that doesn’t serve me, so that mindset helps me whenever I encounter a challenge.

I’m a master of myself and my craftJordan Clarkson, NBA Star, Proud Filipino-American, Lululemon Ambassador

Please share with us one thing you learnt from this sport/wellness activity or what you wish others to discover about it.

Well-being, for me, isn't just about the physical aspect — it's also about the mental side of it. So, I take a holistic approach to my well-being, whether in gym training, in the car finding five minutes for meditation or breathwork, sweating it out at hot yoga, sketching, or styling my next outfit.

Taking care of my mental health has also helped me live in the moment. We can't control what happens tomorrow. We can't handle even the next 30 seconds of our lives. We can envision it and do all that work, but at the end of the day, you've got to deal with life as it is.

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A post shared by @jordanclarksons

As a professional athlete under the constant spotlight, what fuels you?

I'm always trying to be the best version of myself and staying focused on what motivates me and how I can inspire my teammates and the people around me.

As a well-known figure, what is one way you inject positivity into the public?

Everyone should feel confident in themselves, and I like to exude that to people. So pick what styles you want and stay true to yourself. That's what I do; it makes me feel confident and ready to take on whatever I'm doing.

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