Where The Legends Train

It hits every former high school and college athlete at some point. The games are over, the crowds have faded, but that competitive fire still burns. Your body remembers what it felt like to move at full speed, to compete with purpose, to feel unbreakable. The uniform may be retired, but the athlete inside you isn't. This is where stories like Ryan Capretta's and Proactive Sports Performance become more than inspiration—they become a practical roadmap for the next chapter.

For nearly two decades, Proactive Sports Performance in Westlake Village, California, has been the quiet training home for some of the biggest names in sports. Founded in 2006, the 18,000-square-foot facility isn't built on hype. It's built on science, personalization, and an unrelenting focus on helping athletes—not just perform, but last. From Clay Matthews laying early groundwork to today's stars sharpening their edge, Proactive has quietly shaped careers that defy expectations. And for recently retired high school and college athletes navigating life after the final whistle, it offers something even more valuable: a proven model of training that prioritizes durability, smart progress, and joy in movement long after the spotlight dims.

Ryan Capretta: The Coach Who Sees Every Athlete the Same

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Ryan Capretta didn't set out to build a celebrity gym. A native of Agoura Hills and a graduate of Agoura High, he earned his degree in exercise science and honed his craft at Pepperdine University, Stanford, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Arizona Cardinals. He even picked up an Emmy for his work on NFL UP!. But his real calling emerged when he launched Proactive in 2006 with a simple, powerful belief: train the person, not just the position.

"No matter who you are when you open the door, egos are checked and you're here for one common purpose."

That purpose? Creating an environment where performance and longevity go hand in hand. Over the years, Proactive's science-backed methods have helped elevate thousands of athletes while extending their careers. The results speak volumes: dozens of NFL Pro Bowl selections, NBA All-Stars, and high draft picks who credit the facility's blend of cutting-edge testing, mobility work, strength development, and recovery protocols.

What makes Proactive different—and what makes it such a powerful model for former athletes—is its adult training philosophy. It treats every person who walks through the doors as an athlete first, regardless of age or current competition level. The pillars are straightforward and transferable: comprehensive nutrition planning, mobility and flexibility training (both static and dynamic), core and stability work to protect the body, proper lifting mechanics that reduce injury risk, data-driven body composition strategies, and a focus on biomechanics to catch problems before they start. It's not about chasing yesterday's glory. It's about building a stronger, more resilient version of yourself for the long haul.

The Stars Who Keep Coming Back: Aaron Rodgers and Kevin Durant

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Proactive has never been about chasing the next headline. It's about earning trust from athletes who demand the best. Two names stand out for their consistency and elite-level commitment: Aaron Rodgers and Kevin Durant.

Aaron Rodgers, the four-time MVP and Super Bowl champion, has trained with Capretta for more than a decade. Now in his 40s and still battling at the highest level—older than most members of the IDNTY community could ever dream of playing—Rodgers embodies the kind of longevity every former athlete hopes to achieve. He doesn't train like a quarterback who needs special treatment. He trains like an athlete who refuses to slow down.

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In a heartfelt Instagram post after Rodgers' move to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Capretta opened up about the man behind the helmet:

"From day one, he never wanted to be treated different—always wanted to train like an athlete not just a quarterback. In this era, where everyone is a guru and wanting to be different, he was always just one of the guys."

"A model of consistency and intensity every single year! Leadership and work ethic without having to show the world what he is doing."

"…All high character athletes—always giving back to the younger guys and training extremely hard when no one is watching. Doing the little things that make an impact—on and off the field. That is who Aaron is. We are thankful to be part of his journey!"

It's a window into Capretta's passion and the genuine connections he forges. Rodgers has surrounded himself with teammates like Clay Matthews, Von Miller, and others who bought into the same culture of quiet excellence. That environment—competitive yet supportive—is exactly what makes Proactive's model so powerful for former athletes looking to stay connected to their competitive roots.

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Kevin Durant, the two-time NBA champion and four-time scoring champion, has also made Proactive part of his routine. Whether it's sharpening his already legendary skill set or simply maintaining the durability that keeps him playing at an MVP level year after year, Durant's presence speaks to the facility's reputation across sports. In one memorable 2023 moment, Durant and Rodgers were even captured hooping together at the facility—two all-time greats pushing each other in a cross-sport display of pure athletic joy.

These athletes don't just show up for sessions. They become part of a culture where the work is respected, the standards are high, and the focus is always on getting 1% better.

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Eight Actionable Tips Every Former Athlete Can Steal from Proactive's Model

You don't need to fly to Westlake Village to train like the pros. Proactive's approach—especially its adult training blueprint—gives every retired high school and college athlete a clear, adaptable framework. Here's how to apply it in your own life, whether you're in a garage gym, a local facility, or training with friends.

The Legacy You Can Still Live

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Aaron Rodgers is still out there competing at an age when most athletes have long hung up their cleats. Kevin Durant continues to dominate through sheer commitment to his craft. Both chose Proactive not because it was flashy, but because it delivered results that lasted.

Ryan Capretta and his team have created more than a training facility. They've created a model that proves athletic identity doesn't end when eligibility expires—it evolves. For every former high school and college athlete reading this, the message is clear: your competitive days shaped you. Now it's time to train like the legend you already are.

The fire is still there. The blueprint exists. What are you capable of next? Go find out. Train smart. Train hard. And keep the legacy alive—one intentional session at a time.