Yoga/Pilates Workout Allows Players to Recover, Build Core Strength

The Hollins coaching staff decided to go in a new direction when planning for the 2010 preseason. Instead of the usual two-a-days, the coaches added a third session for every day of the first week in preseason. The morning session is a 7:00 a.m. practice with fitness for the first 45 minutes and technical training for the second 45 minutes. The evening session is a 7:00 p.m. practice with a team tactics and possession focus. The second session is the new part; the players are working out with a yoga/pilates instructor after breakfast. The added session has two main purposes: 1. build core strength so that fitness will be maintained throughout the entire season and injuries will be prevented, and 2. stretch and recover muscles for the evening session. Although the results of adding the third session will not be known for some time, the team seems to be having fun and getting a lot from the extra workout.