Inside the Grind: Mikaela Shiffrin Reveals Why Post-Race Gym Sessions Are “One of the Best Parts of the Job”

Mikaela Shiffrin has never been the type of athlete who celebrates a victory and calls it a day. Even after a grueling World Cup race, when most competitors are catching their breath, stretching quietly, or retreating to rest, Shiffrin often finds herself doing something very different: heading straight into the gym. Recently, she shared a glimpse of her post-race routine, describing it as “one of the best parts of the job,” a comment that surprised many fans but perfectly captures the mindset of one of the greatest skiers the world has ever seen.

To the outside world, post-race workouts might appear unnecessary, even excessive. After all, racing at speeds exceeding 70 mph, carving each turn with perfect precision, and absorbing the pounding forces of every gate is already an extreme physical demand. But to Shiffrin, this time in the gym is more than a routine—it’s a ritual, a reset button, and a deeply satisfying part of the career she has crafted since childhood.

What makes this routine so meaningful isn’t just the physical training itself, but what it symbolizes. It reflects her belief that success is not built on the podium; it’s built in the moments no one sees. Those late-night lifts, conditioning circuits, core sessions, and strength maintenance routines are what allow her to show up on race day with control, speed, and confidence. While fans marvel at her flawless technique on snow, this behind-the-scenes dedication is what makes it possible.

Shiffrin’s post-race workouts also help her transition mentally. Racing is intense—not just in terms of physical strain but the emotional pressure of expectations, media presence, and the internal desire to meet her own standards. The gym becomes a space where everything slows down. The noise of competition fades, replaced only by the rhythm of training. For her, it is a place where she can breathe, reflect, and reconnect with the simple joy of movement.

She has often spoken about how skiing itself is a love, but training is the foundation that lets her enjoy that love fully. The gym is where she rebuilds herself after every race, where she ensures her body recovers properly, and where she invests in longevity in a sport known for wear and tear. These post-race lifts aren’t about pushing herself to the limit after a long day—they are about balance, recovery, and maintaining the subtle strength that keeps her resilient through a long season.

For many athletes, routines provide structure and comfort, and Shiffrin is no exception. Her discipline is often admired but rarely understood in full. There is something uniquely grounding for her about heading to the gym after a race, especially if the race was emotionally charged or didn’t go as planned. The workout becomes a way of taking control again, of reminding herself that each day is another step forward, regardless of results.

When she shared this glimpse of her routine, fans noticed how energized she seemed, even after a full day of skiing. That energy doesn’t come from adrenaline alone—it comes from passion. Shiffrin genuinely enjoys the process. She loves the burn of a good workout, the satisfaction of completing a session, and the knowledge that she’s doing what her career demands. Many athletes perform their routines out of obligation; Shiffrin does it out of appreciation for the craft she has chosen.

Navigating a life filled with competition, travel, expectations, and public attention requires something deeply personal to hold onto. For Shiffrin, the gym is one of those anchors. It keeps her centered, focused, and connected to the fundamentals. Even after heartbreak, loss, and moments of self-doubt in her career, training remained one of the constants that helped her rebuild physically and emotionally.

Her comment—“one of the best parts of the job”—reveals a truth about champion mentality. Champions don’t just love winning; they love the work. They find purpose in repetition, meaning in exertion, and peace in the routines that others might find tedious. Shiffrin’s greatness is born from this mindset, one that embraces effort with gratitude rather than frustration.

In many ways, sharing this side of her life bridges the gap between Mikaela Shiffrin the superstar and Mikaela the human being. Fans see her glide down slopes with breathtaking precision, but here they see her lifting weights, adjusting equipment, wiping sweat, laughing, focusing. It’s a reminder that behind the medals is a woman who works harder than most people imagine, and who finds joy in doing so.

This glimpse also inspires younger athletes. Many see the glamorous side of sports—the podiums, sponsorships, and celebrations—but Shiffrin reminds them that the true reward often lies in the grind. The gym session after a race isn’t the glamorous part; it’s the real part. It’s what turns talent into mastery and ambition into results.

As the season continues and Shiffrin prepares for even bigger goals, including the road to the 2026 Winter Olympics, these routines will remain at the core of her preparation. Every race day is important, but so is every moment after it. Shiffrin has mastered not only skiing but the art of staying committed beyond competition.

Her post-race routine reflects a philosophy that defines her career: keep moving, keep improving, keep loving the process. And for fans, it offers a special kind of insight—not just into her physical strength, but into her heart.

So when Mikaela Shiffrin says the gym is “one of the best parts of the job,” she isn’t exaggerating. She’s revealing the secret many champions carry quietly: success is built not on the stage but in the work done when no one is watching.