Steelers off-season conditioning program: Part two - flexibility

May 24, 2004

By Teresa Varley
Steelers.com

It's not a typical workout for football players, but nothing the Steelers are doing as a part of their off-season strength and conditioning program this year is typical.

This season the Steelers have gone "outside of the box" with their workouts. Strength and conditioning coach Chet Fuhrman, along with assistants Anthony Griggs and Marcel Pastoor, are heading up a program that has players focusing on getting a more complete workout, which is helping every part of the body.

Working on flexibility is a key to the conditioning. That is why players are taking part in a yoga class several times a week to help improve that flexibility.

“I am always concerned about being flexible," said fullback Dan Kreider, who has been taking part in the class the last few months. "I did this before elsewhere and took several classes. I felt like it made a difference in my hips and back and my overall flexibility. It’s amazing how good you feel after a workout. Some of the poses are tough to do and you don’t realize how tough as far as strength. You need a lot of strength. When you get done you feel relaxed and opened up in all of your joints. It feels good."

The class is taught by Sara Azarius-Eichmiller from Shadyside Yoga and while it may seem relaxing, it's can be anything but. It's a workout that has the players working up a serious sweat.

“It’s challenging," said Kreider. "I think there is a lot that could probably even be added. But there is some pain involved. Your first time understanding how to release certain areas of your body and even some of the positions we get in, it’s a challenge. It’s hard to hold yourself in those positions for a certain amount of time. It’s amazing how you find out that you are weak in certain areas compared to others.

"It’s an eye-opener. The first time I did it, I thought I would see what this is about. I was surprised. I was sweating. I was drenched when I was done. It was different.”

Kreider though does feel he is benefiting from the workouts and that outweights all of the pain and sweat.

“I think so," said Kreider. "Just from the first day working here, some of the forward bends and positions we are supposed to get in, I think I am getting better at them. I can tell the difference in my lower back and hips. I know when we first get back to working out after the season some of the aches and pains from the season creep up again. The lower back and hips and even the shoulder feels sore. Doing some of the moves and poses have helped my hips and my shoulders feel better.”

Photos By Pam Gianoglio