It’s gameday in Minnesota.

Nearly every day on the calendar is gameday for one of Minnesota’s seven pro teams. When the puck is dropped or the ball is tipped or kicked or thrown, we fans get to see the culmination of so much preparation. Do you ever wonder what goes into that preparation? I did, and I spent the last few months finding out. I’m Chip Scoggins, a sports columnist here at the Minnesota Star Tribune, and I’d like to invite you to spend some time today taking a journey with me through the pregame rituals of an athlete from each of our seven professional Minnesota teams.

I asked seven players, one from each team, for a peek behind their personal, professional-athlete curtain to learn how they prepare to play in a game. Seven said yes. They shared personalized routines that include hanging from a contraption that looks like a medieval torture rack, showering in total darkness, taking a shot of Tabasco sauce, submerging in frigid water, starting the day with meditation, eating the same exact pregame meal and breastfeeding a baby.

Oh, they also love smelling salts. And pregame naps. Gotta have that nap.

Please take some time today to read our “Getting Ready for Work” series. After you’re done, you’ll know much more about how athletes prepare on gamedays in Minnesota.

GETTING READY FOR WORK

“Look good, play good.” The new mom and MVP candidate gets a mini-makeover before her monster Lynx games. Read about Collier’s preparation here.

She’s a champion now, and getting there — getting ready for every game — is a family affair. Read her story here.

Why in the world is the young Wild star shooting hoops before his hockey game? Read the story here.

Don’t expect a text back from Rudy in the early mornings. Read about the tallest Timberwolves player’s prep right here.

The Twins ace knows exactly when he’ll throw his first pitch. It’s all part of Pablo’s plan, which you can read about here..

The longest-tenured Viking looks like the most tortured Viking at home before night games. Find out why here.