New Braves first baseman Matt Adams dropped 30 pounds from his 6-foot-4 frame in the offseason.
Adams utilized weight training, cardio work and an emphasis on nutrition but credits Pilates for making a big difference.
"I knew that as long as I was doing everything I was supposed to be doing in the Pilates studio and the weight room then I wouldn't lose the strength," the 28-year-old Adams said. "The big thing for me is that I'm able to activate my core, my lower half better. That is what Pilates has helped me with. I am able to understand how my body is supposed to be moving. It was an all around great program for me."
He reported to the St. Louis Cardinals spring training in great shape and led the team in home runs in exhibition games.
But with Matt Carpenter entrenched as the team’s first baseman, Adams hasn’t played a lot so far this season and he was traded to the Braves Saturday.
He’ll get a chance to play a lot with the Braves, replacing injured first baseman Freddie Freeman, who is out at least 10 weeks due to a broken wrist. And when Freeman returns, Adams could give the Braves something they have been lacking this season -- a power-hitting pinch-hitter.
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