Should the Summer Olympics take place next year, and not be derailed again by COVID-19, Fernando Meza figures he’ll be ready to compete for Argentina in rowing.
The Atlanta United centerback is using the machine as one of the ways he’s trying to keep fit while sheltering in place in Atlanta.
“With this going on, it’s difficult to go out and train,” he said two weeks ago.
Instead of spending mornings using the exercise bikes or running around the pristine pitch at the team’s training facility in Marietta as ways to stay game-fit, Atlanta United’s players are forced to borrow from Jane Fonda — break out the leg warmers — and work out from home.
To help, Atlanta United furnished the players with workout plans and gave each a stationary bike. There are video calls and other lines of communication so that the players can try to feel a connection to coaches and trainers.
“It’s really a strange environment when you’re a professional athlete when you are used to being in the gym or being in the field and that’s your life and that’s your routine,” team vice president Carlos Bocanegra said. “It’s no different for athletes than for anyone.”
Jeff Larentowicz said he is using the workout plans given by the team because he prefers the structure and someone telling him exactly what to do. A few weeks ago, he said he would sometimes run in the street. When his body isn’t feeling the street, he jumps on the bike.
Adams said the bike sessions last between 40-60 minutes. The rides can be a bit boring.
Larentowicz acknowledged that mentally it is taxing.
“You don’t know what you are working toward,” he said.
MLS has suspended activities until at least June 8, which means the players are supposed to continue working out by themselves, hamsters on wheels until the plastic door opens.
“We want them to be fresh coming out of this,” Bocanegra said. “Having these individual plans, backing off certain weeks, ramping up certain weeks.”
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