Vikings RB Adrian Peterson looks to other sports for workouts
By Adam Carlson
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson may be one of the best at his position in the game of football, but he likes to train in other sports as well.
It seems like every offseason fans on social media are treated to photographs of their favorite athletes working hard to stay in top physical shape and remain mentally focused for the upcoming NFL season. That’s no different for the Minnesota Vikings, as even their star running back Adrian Peterson is constantly grinding to get better.
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While many players focus on exercises for agility, strength, speed or other necessary attributes for their position, there are the creative and open-minded players who can find ways to get a full workout without doing so many different individual tasks.
For example, according to an article on the ESPN website, Adrian Peterson has taken to enjoying boxing as well as MMA in order to keep his skills at their peak. There are a lot of different things these sports can teach, as Peterson explained.
"“[It’s] being patient and always having your guard up and always being prepared and ready for that attack. You get in the ring and you get sloppy, you start to swing too much, and you’re gonna get knocked out before you know it. By being patient and having a defensive mindset, you always have your guard up.”"
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For example, he could use this patience in NFL games to wait for holes to develop or blocks to establish when running. This has been an issue Peterson has always been open about in his game and could help him have a longer, more productive career.
It was Adrian Peterson’s trainer James Cooper who turned him on to the world of MMA, and now the star running back sees a lot of great reasons to train in that sport as well.
"“It’s good for keeping the body flexible, for endurance as well, and hitting those fine-tuned muscles that you don’t know you have. Just within that [first] 20-30 seconds you’re going to be exhausted.”"
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At 31 years old, the former NFL MVP and 2015 rushing champion will continue to be the driving force behind a run-heavy Minnesota Vikings offense this season in the team’s new home at U.S. Bank Stadium.