Fat Free Swish and Chips
Nick Swisher has never been overweight, but he came into spring training 12 pounds lighter than he finished the ’09 season at. Swisher’s weightloss may not seem dramatic, but it has the potential to play a key roll in Swisher’s 2010 season. The Yankees hoisted the World Series trophy on November, 4th of last year, and almost immediately Swish was ready to get back at it. According to an interview transcript on NoMaas, Swisher began working out on the first Monday in December. Come early January he had already started doing two-a-days. The according to the NoMaas transcript and several other sources he began boxing with a friend who helped him train. Apparently the boxing proved to be a challenge for Swish early on as he told NoMaas “Then I picked up boxing. It’s amazing. It made me throw up”. The right fielder said he also changed up his diet by eating high-protein meals and eliminating junk food. According to an article on Yankees.com Swisher allowed himself one cheat meal a week in the form of a Chipotle burrito (great choice Nick!). I have to commend Swish on his hard work this offseason. As Swisher was not a heavy guy to begin with it couldn’t have been too easy losing 12 pounds.
Not only does Swish say 
that he feels leaner and quicker, but he also looks much more defined as can be seen in pcitures taken this spring training. While Swisher may have lost weight, boxing is an extremely good full-body workout that helps the body to be much more powerful as a whole. Also, boxing is one of the best cardio exercises out there. Hopefully Swisher’s off-season workout will pay off in the form of more endurance and even better slugging numbers. While Swisher’s power numbers were very good last year, the Yankees could use even greater numbers from Swisher this year as the look to fill the void left by Hideki Matsui’s departure. Also, increased stamina and endurance will be essential to Nick’s consistancy throughout the season. As Swisher plays with extrememly high engergy and goes his hardest on every play, the extra stamina he built up over the offseason will help fight the daily wear and tear on his body. Look for Swisher to put up big numbers this year.
While on the subject of weightloss I figured I should make note that Jonathan Albaladejo came to spring traning 30 pounds lighter this year. This is the first offseason that Albaladejo did not play in the Purto Rican winter league. Instead he focused on getting his body into better shape. As is quoted on the LoHud Yankees blog Albaladejo said “I definitely feel more fresh…My arm feels more life”. This is good news for the Yankees as his weightloss can only bolster the competition fo bullpen roles.
What are your thoughts on how Swisher’s weight loss will impact his 2010 season?
Photos courtesy of Zimbio.com
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