Flamengo does general conditioning in Porto Feliz
Fitness trainer Alexandre Sanz explains the work he has done for the pre-season
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
With only 12 days between their return match and their season debut, scheduled for the 17th of this month against Duque de Caxias, Flamengo's physical preparation is racing against time. According to physical trainer Alexandre Sanz, the team began general conditioning work this Thursday at the training center in Porto Feliz, São Paulo, after spending a day dedicated to medical and laboratory tests and another for physical evaluations. "There are nine days to work on the physical aspect before the debut. Our idea is to give the athletes a natural foundation, working on their aerobic capacity and anaerobic endurance."
Aerobic training utilizes the field's dimensions for players' runs. "We map out the route they'll run, using changes of direction," explains Sanz. "Anaerobic lactic acid is what will make them play. Starting next week, we'll work on strength and speed," he adds.
According to Sanz, contrary to popular belief, not all athletes return from vacation with a few extra pounds. "Some players come in overweight. Others come in underweight. It depends on each individual's body type. Players like Juan, Léo Moura, and Angelim, for example, typically lose weight after vacation—they lose muscle mass."
The priority, therefore, is to apply exercises that strengthen muscles and aerobic capacity – that is, the power an athlete has to absorb, transport and use oxygen from the air, in order to generate the energy required by physical activity.
Starting Sunday, the players are expected to begin training that Sanz calls "total technical physical training." In ball work, players perform specific activities for game situations. "The full-backs practice crossing; the forwards, finishing; the defenders, rebounding... We try to use the ball in most of the physical training. And at the same time, they work on tactical positioning," explains the club's physical trainer.
For Sanz, it's much more relaxed to work with a familiar group. "It's easier because you already know how far each athlete can go. There's already a close relationship; we already know the players, and they know our way of working. We understand the discomfort each one might feel. But the athletes are working hard and responding to the training."
Leo Moura - The fitness coach says that Léo Moura, who was absent in Porto Feliz due to surgery, won't be affected. "He'll return and do all the work the others are doing. He will, however, hinder the group as a whole."
Aerobic training utilizes the field's dimensions for players' runs. "We map out the route they'll run, using changes of direction," explains Sanz. "Anaerobic lactic acid is what will make them play. Starting next week, we'll work on strength and speed," he adds.
According to Sanz, contrary to popular belief, not all athletes return from vacation with a few extra pounds. "Some players come in overweight. Others come in underweight. It depends on each individual's body type. Players like Juan, Léo Moura, and Angelim, for example, typically lose weight after vacation—they lose muscle mass."
The priority, therefore, is to apply exercises that strengthen muscles and aerobic capacity – that is, the power an athlete has to absorb, transport and use oxygen from the air, in order to generate the energy required by physical activity.
Starting Sunday, the players are expected to begin training that Sanz calls "total technical physical training." In ball work, players perform specific activities for game situations. "The full-backs practice crossing; the forwards, finishing; the defenders, rebounding... We try to use the ball in most of the physical training. And at the same time, they work on tactical positioning," explains the club's physical trainer.
For Sanz, it's much more relaxed to work with a familiar group. "It's easier because you already know how far each athlete can go. There's already a close relationship; we already know the players, and they know our way of working. We understand the discomfort each one might feel. But the athletes are working hard and responding to the training."
Leo Moura - The fitness coach says that Léo Moura, who was absent in Porto Feliz due to surgery, won't be affected. "He'll return and do all the work the others are doing. He will, however, hinder the group as a whole."