Jets take off in a new direction with a taste of yoga
THEIR fitness regime normally involves lots of high-energy workouts, but Cheshire Jets basketball players are now looking at a more relaxed way to give them an edge.
So instead of going for the burn or powering through the weights and resistance equipment, six of the Jets stars attempted, among other postures, the half moon, the downward-facing dog and the crane at one of their regular training sessions at the Total Fitness gym on Liverpool Road.
It’s all part of an introduction to yoga, which is now becoming popular among sportsmen, including England goalkeeper David James and American football linebacker Ted Johnson
Under the guidance of instructor Luos Jonnson in one of the Total Fitness studios, the players went through various positions, and afterwards team captain Colin OReilly said that perhaps it was long overdue.
“I’ve always been interested in yoga, because I know there are lots of benefits, but time-wise I’ve not really had the chance to do it, said Colin, 26, from Cork, who has previously played in Ireland for the Blue Demons and in Germany and Iceland.”
Colin added;
“Our gym work here at Total Fitness usually involves a couple of days of stretching and core exercises and a couple of days doing such things as weights. Our trainer, George, is always telling us about the importance of being flexible, and I know yoga helps. After this I think I should be doing more.”
Hoole-based Luos Jonnson, 39, a former driver in the Army who went on to manage Norwegian rock band Immer Neant before turning to yoga, agreed, saying:
“The Jets players are obviously very fit, but after just 15 seconds some of them were struggling with the balance and were close to giving up.”
Luos, whose students range from primary school children up to a woman of 96, added:
“That indicates they need to do more exercises like this. If you’re not flexible enough while you’re doing your sport you’re not going to be able to express yourself completely, not when you’re held back by tension.
But they’ve had a go and hopefully it will encourage them to pursue yoga. People have this perception that yoga is just for women, but it’s absolutely not, said Luos.
The Jets have recently signed an extended sponsorship deal with Total Fitness, Chester the two businesses have worked together since 2007. Director of Cheshire Jets Peter Hawkins said;
“It’s great news that we have Total Fitness on board again for the 2010/11 season. The facilities at the club are of a first class standard and with their support we will ensure the players reach their peak fitness levels.