Unexpected Workouts Of NFL Players
It's no secret that athletes crosstrain for their sports in various ways. To stay dynamic it's important to work different muscles to challenge Paul Coffey Authentic Jersey your body. Professional football players engage in an incredibly strenuous sport that demands immense stamina, quick instincts, coordination and speed. But they wouldn't get through it without some of the more unsung activities like swimming and yoga.
With the Super Bowl coming up, we wanted to give some attention to the less conventional ways that certain NFL players get their mojo. Don't be surprised if you see one of these players in your next Pilates class!
YogaThe practice of yoga is great to strengthen your core and build flexibility in addition to providing other mental health benefits. Naturally, these attributes benefit professional athletes, just like the rest of us.
Like millions of Americans, Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers embraces the practice. He reportedly eschews weight lifting in favor of Mark Messier Authentic Jersey yoga.
And Kevin Boss of the Kansas City Chiefs, a former Super Bowl champion, has been practicing yoga since college.
Tony Parish from the Mark Messier Womens Jersey San Fransico 49ers used yoga to help him recover from a broken ankle and fibula.
Jonathan Martin of the Miami Dolphins Paul Coffey Kids Jersey stretches during the rookie minicamp on May 4, 2012 at the Miami Dolphins training facility in Davie, Florida.
Correction: An earlier version of this slide stated that Troy Polamalu played for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Mixed Martial ArtsMartial Arts is an ideal complement to the sometimes brutal nature of football. Combining a mix of strength and speed, Mixed Martial Arts can offer a variety of benefits for football players who must constantly remain agile and quick on the field.
Greenbay Packers linebacker, Clay Matthews, practices mixed martial arts with Jay Glazer. The Fox reporter and trainer also practices MMA with Jared Allen of the Minnesota Vikings and Marcedes Lewis of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Other notable athletes who trained in Mixed Martial Arts include former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber, former Denver Broncos Safety Brian Dawkins, San Francisco 49ers kicker David Akers, and Miami Dolphins safety Donovin Darius. Wilson stretches as defensive end Jerel Worthy looks on during NFL football training camp, Tuesday, July 31, 2012, in Green Bay, Wis.
GymnasticsIf there's one sport that leaves everyone in awe of the human body, it's gymnastics. Even though football and gymnastics seem like an unlikely combination, some of the skills required for both sports are more compatible than you'd assume especially since it's not unusual to witness NFL players celebrating a touchdown with a backflip.
Anthony Adams played for the San Fransisco 49ers, The Chicago Bears, and then decided to try out for the Olympics in 2016!
New York Giants defensive end, Jason Pierre Paul, left an impression with his floor exercise, as his height makes him an unusual candidate for the event. He spends much of his time now illuminating the public with the true brutality of his former profession.
SwimmingSwimming is great workout that with minimal impact creates many aerobic benefits. It's also easy on the joints, which for an athlete who spends his time getting tackled makes a great difference.
Clevland Browns Wide Receiver Josh Cribbs was an excellent swimmer in high school, but switched to football in college. At least he knows the benefits of an aquatic workout.
DancingHall of famer Lynn Swann was known for practicing ballet in addition to jazz and tap and managed to kick butt at being a wide receiver too.
And Dancing With The Stars has hosted former Superbowl players like Hines Ward and Jerry Rice!
Green Bay Packers' Ryan Pickett stretches with Justin Harrell and Ronald Talley during NFL football training camp Sunday, Aug. 1, 2010, in Green Bay, Wis.