EDITOR'S NOTE: As part of MLS Unites, a league-wide platform launched in partnership with the MLS Player Association that highlights the efforts of players, coaches, the clubs and the league during the COVID-19 pandemic, MLS will be featuring themed weeks across its platforms. This week's theme will focus on Fitness and Wellness. Over the coming days, MLSsoccer.com will be showcasing content to provide inspiration for how to remain physically and mentally healthy while social distancing.
Like everyone else stuck at home social distancing due to COVID-19, the Vancouver Whitecaps are searching for creative ways to stay in shape. Only their trainer for a recent workout was probably more unique than yours.
Vancouver co-owner Steve Nash led a workout on the club’s Instagram account, with players following the two-time NBA MVP from their living rooms. The Whitecaps are conducting their team workouts via video conference, with MLS extending the training moratorium through April 24.
Before players got into their personal workouts, Nash shared some words of encouragement and a nod to Jon Poli, the club’s head of physical preparation.
“Just good luck boys,” Nash said. “I know it’s going to be a difficult time. You gotta find a way to stay sane, stay safe, healthy. At the same time, you’ve gotta keep moving. If you lose your motivation, you guys gotta pick each other up to just keep the body moving, because whenever we start up again, you can’t have muscle tissue injuries or mobility, stability issues.
“I know you guys have a good program with [Jon] Poli, but stick to it, try to pick each other up and keep each other going. Whenever this ends, we’re going to have to be prepared to get back on the field without injuries.”
The Whitecaps were 1-1 before the 2020 MLS season was suspended, losing at home to Sporting Kansas City and beating the LA Galaxy on the road.
