ManlyBacker
Winging it
THE Sea Eagles revitalised their minds as well as their bodies ahead of Friday night's showdown with Des Hasler's Bulldogs at Fortress Brookvale by taking part in an intensive yoga session yesterday.
With all the pressure and hype surrounding this week's clash, the ancient Indian discipline could prove the secret weapon that gives the Sea Eagles the edge they need.
This exclusive photograph shows some of the squad being put through the routine by instructor Troy Abraham in the plush new Premier Health and Fitness Centre at the Manly Leagues Club.
And in what could be an omen for Friday's game, one of the yoga moves they performed is called the Downward Dog.
"We like to introduce new things all the time and yoga was investigated," Sea Eagles head strength and conditioning coach Don Singe said.
"It really has proved to be quite significant in the training."
After a weights workout the players then had a change pace by entering the yoga zone.
"We do it mostly with them as recovery and a more mellow practice," Abraham told the Manly Daily.
"We do it a couple of days after games as flexibility training and so they can clear their minds.
"We start with a little bit of strength but for the most part we give them a lot of relaxation."
His company Power Living has been working with the club for three years.
"Yoga has been absolutely fantastic for us," Singe said.
"It's not only for the flexibility, but yoga has quite a few strength and circulation elements about it too," he said.
"Working from the inside out, learning how to relax, at the same time learning how to switch the entire muscle on.
"It's been quite a revelation."
Singe said the club has yoga sessions twice a week during the pre-season and usually once a week during the premiership.
In a good sign ahead of Friday's game the vibe among the players was very positive as they freely interacted with the other gym patrons.
There was no indication they felt under the pump ahead of the game.
http://manly-daily.whereilive.com.au/sport/story/nrl-sea-eagles-friday-on-their-mind/
