Croft up to home fitness challenges
STEVEN Croft has described the stay-athome fitness work done by him, his Lancashire team-mates and hundreds of other county cricketers as ‘a good challenge’.
Creativity is the key says the Red Rose all-rounder, who has been using wooden logs for deadlifting and help from his four-yearold daughter Ottilie for weighted press-ups.
Croft, 35, is also a certified personal trainer away from the game, so he knows exactly what it takes to stay in shape and be ready if and when the ongoing coronavirus pandemic eases enough to allow a return to on-field action later this summer.
The Lancashire squad have been working from home since mid-March, though they have not been furloughed, allowing them remote access to the club’s medical and strength and conditioning staff.
“We’ve got programmes from the fitness and medical staff,” explained Croft.
“Just before the lockdown started (March 23), the lads were provided with as much equipment as possible. But I already had a few bits and bobs at home anyway.
“We’re all keeping fit, sharing videos and challenges on WhatsApp and things like that.
“Alex Davies has also been keeping us entertained with his TikTok videos, although I reckon I’m a bit old for that!”
Given his PT qualification, Blackpool-born Croft enjoys maintaining his fitness.
“To be fair, most of the lads enjoy keeping fit, so it’s been quite good fun,” he continued.
“I wouldn’t say there’s not much else to do because I’ve been kept busy with a couple of little ones at home, but there is plenty of time to stay fit. You can throw some time at it.
“I’ve been getting the kids involved as well. Ottilie is four and Aurelia is five months.
“As a family, we’ve also been doing the Joe Wicks’ workouts in the morning, and my eldest has been on her bike and getting me to chase after her. On top of that, I’ve been going on long walks or runs. And when the kids are in bed, I’ll get out into the garden for an hour.
“It’s a good challenge. It would obviously be nice to have a gym to go to, but there’s plenty of things you can be creative with.”