Player Fitness

[RedTop]

One thing strikes me above all else when I see the footage of the players returning to training, and that is the improvement in in their physique since GJ took over.

Normally, I'm not one to study photos of semi-clad blokes working up a sweat (honest!), but for the first time I can remember, it actually looks like we have a team of professional athletes at Ashton Gate. I've always argued that there may be an excuse for a full-time pro not having the skill of David Beckham, but there is absolutely no excuse for them not having the same toned physique, since they have the same number of hours a day to devote to their fitness (more, actually, when you consider the time Beckham has to devote to other commitments). In the past, we have had players who just do not look well-honed - not just overweight but in some cases under-developed physically. In the latter category, I'm thinking of the likes of Cole Skuse, who has always had the quality in my opinion but lacked the physique. Looking at the players, including Cole and JMW, they now look like pro athletes, which is how it should be.

Whether this is down to better fitness coaching or GJ drumming into players that being a footballer is a lifestyle job and cutting out the extra-curricular activities or a mixure of both I don't know. But I do know that as someone who spends a fortune each year following these lads, I am much happier seeing that they now look genuinely in shape and that GJ's early comments about getting the team properly fit so have been followed through.

[cheshire_red]

JMW certainly seems to have bulked up a fair bit.

Agreed about fitness levels, thought we were fitter than many a side last season.

[howey_ducky]

I agree, it's a good point. Can't remember a team looking in better physical shape after a long summers drinking in malia.

Lets hope they build on it and start the season with a potential physical advantage over some of the other teams.

[RedZepperin]

I think that this is the first time that photographs of semi-naked Bristol City players have been published on the official site and it amuses me to see how many posters are getting excited about the whole thing and how they feel obliged to fill their posts with references to fitness policies, David Beckham and stuff like that.

If you've enjoyed looking at the photos, just say so, for heaven's sake.

[tin]

One thing strikes me above all else when I see the footage of the players returning to training, and that is the improvement in in their physique since GJ took over.

Normally, I'm not one to study photos of semi-clad blokes working up a sweat (honest!), but for the first time I can remember, it actually looks like we have a team of professional athletes at Ashton Gate. I've always argued that there may be an excuse for a full-time pro not having the skill of David Beckham, but there is absolutely no excuse for them not having the same toned physique, since they have the same number of hours a day to devote to their fitness (more, actually, when you consider the time Beckham has to devote to other commitments). In the past, we have had players who just do not look well-honed - not just overweight but in some cases under-developed physically. In the latter category, I'm thinking of the likes of Cole Skuse, who has always had the quality in my opinion but lacked the physique. Looking at the players, including Cole and JMW, they now look like pro athletes, which is how it should be.

Whether this is down to better fitness coaching or GJ drumming into players that being a footballer is a lifestyle job and cutting out the extra-curricular activities or a mixure of both I don't know. But I do know that as someone who spends a fortune each year following these lads, I am much happier seeing that they now look genuinely in shape and that GJ's early comments about getting the team properly fit so have been followed through.

It shows the value in bringing in a specialist fitness coach in the form of Glenn Schmidt, if you ask me.

GJ said before the lads went on they're breaks that Schmidt had given every single player a specific fitness regime intended to hone themselves as individuals. Obviously in Skuse's and JMW's case, their regimes have revolved around bulking up. I expect someone like Steve Brooker's would've revolved around more aerobic exersises to boost his stamina. Either way, there appears marked improvements in every physical attribute individually.

I don't think we've had a specialist fitness coach before and Schmidt deserves great credit IMHO for whipping the players into shape last season and it appears to be another GJ masterstroke in bringing him in. Just shows how far the club have come professionally in his tenure, if you ask me.

[CTID Ryback]

To be fair to Cole and JMW, they are both young lads and still *ahem* developing.

JMW's voice hasnt even broken yet!

[RedM]

I think that this is the first time that photographs of semi-naked Bristol City players have been published on the official site and it amuses me to see how many posters are getting excited about the whole thing and how they feel obliged to fill their posts with references to fitness policies, David Beckham and stuff like that.

If you've enjoyed looking at the photos, just say so, for heaven's sake.

No, sorry but you are wrong, we've had pics of them running along the beach and up Brean down in the past complete with heart monitor things! And I enjoyed them too!!!

And I totally agree with what Tin says in his post, how much we've progressed in such a short time fitness-wise and we really did get the benefit in many of our matches last season. GJ knows what he wants and had upset a few to get it I'm sure but credit to him we now have a team that look professional and prepared for the season, and this is only pre-season yet!

Like the grey training gear as well, looking good, feeling good and part of a team with a mission!