Illinois notebook: Illini increase strength, balance with yoga
The latest training tool began earlier this summer with a bunch of Illinois offensive linemen taking yoga instruction from a slender woman who had little in common with the biggest Illini on the block.
The players thought this was going to be more of a waste of time than a learning experience for a team trying to follow up a big season.
Eight weeks later, they're asking for more. Behind the leadership of Kia Locksley, a yoga instructor and the wife of offensive coordinator Mike Locksley, the Illini linemen improved core strength, endurance and flexibility. The yoga already has paid off in the weight room this summer, and increased flexibility should help the Illini avoid injury this fall.
The non-impact exercise relies upon stretching and posing, moves that build strength by improving balance.
"They thought it was more meditation and sitting quietly,'' Kia Locksley said. "We quickly dispelled those thoughts. They wanted to hold the poses as long as I could hold them. At the end of the sessions, they were asking if we could continue, 'do we have to stop?'
"They were using muscles they weren't used to using. They saw the benefits.''
For an example of the multi-tasking workout, Locksley said the Illini would strike a balancing pose on one leg, building leg strength and concentration. Meanwhile, they were stretching the hip in the other leg while strengthening the back as well as increasing core strength while maintaining balance.
The football program first became interested in yoga when former Illini Tony Pashos and Dave Diehl, both NFL offensive linemen, got together with Illinois offensive line coach Eric Wolford.
"I knew they were great players,'' Wolford said. "I extended a hand and tried to develop a relationship. I always ask them what they do, about new and different stuff. As soon as you think you know it all, you're done. When you talk to them, you keep asking, 'What does it take to keep playing that long?' ''
Pashos and Diehl mentioned yoga. The Illini turned to Locksley, a local yoga instructor. The sessions were mainly attended by offensive linemen, though some defensive linemen also participated.
The workouts were designed specifically for linemen, who needed work on hip flexibility, hamstring strength and improving the core. Other positions could also have specific yoga instruction. Yoga is widely used in the NFL but rarely seen in college programs.
"They were sore,'' Locksley said. "They just didn't understand why. They couldn't believe how difficult it was.''
Players asked Locksley if she could hold more stretching workouts on Sundays following each gameday, perhaps relieving some muscle soreness through yoga.
"It's stretching and a lot of isometrics and holding yourself in positions,'' said senior center Ryan McDonald. "Offensive linemen have to bend and play loose. We need to loosen our hips to bend. More flexibility will help us avoid injuries. I got stronger, too, so I can't complain.''
Linemen Randall Hunt and Jack Cornell made major gains in the weight room because of their work with yoga.
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Aug. 23 for the NBA preseason game between the Utah Jazz and Chicago Bulls at Assembly Hall on Oct. 17.
The game features a matchup between former Illini point guard Deron Williams, who recently signed a $70-million contract extension with the Jazz, and Bulls first-round pick Derrick Rose.
Tickets range from $25 to $70. They can be purchased at the Assembly Hall box office, all Ticketmaster outlets (www.ticketmaster.com) and by calling 217-333-5000.
- Former Illini golfer Seul Ki Park fired a 1-under 71 Saturday in the final round of the Illinois Women's Open to finish second. Park, a May graduate, shot rounds of 74, 69 and 71 (214) to finish as the top professional, six shots behind winner Aimee Neff.
- Kevin Anderson, who led the Illini to a runner-up finish in the 2007 NCAA tournament, will represent South Africa at the Beijing Olympics. Fifty-six players were selected for the olympic field based on their ATP Ranking as of June 9 with a limit of four singles players per gender per country. Additionally, six wildcard places were named.
John Supinie can be reached at Johnsupinie@aol.com.