Intense lockdown helps Ellis-yolmen
LIONS recruit Cam EllisYolmen has revealed how an intense lockdown training regimen, involving boxing, cycling and cross training, helped him return to his dominating best.
The 190cm midfielder was given a harsh dose of reality after being overlooked for the Lions’ round one team and forced to watch the season opener against Hawthorn from the sideline.
And it was that feeling which motivated the 27-yearold to take up extra-curricular training sessions of boxing and cycling during the COVID-19 lockdown in a bid to get back to peak fitness.
The former Crow said being left out of the round one side was the motivation he needed to get back into shape.
“I just went back to Adelaide to try and keep my fitness up,” Ellis-yolmen said.
“Lucky for me, I was able to go back to Adelaide where (coronavirus restrictions) were less strict so I could go train and keep my fitness up.
“I was doing some boxing and cycling back in Adelaide.
“Moving over here is a bit of a challenge.
“Not getting picked for round one was a bit of a kick in the bum and spurred me on to get back to the fitness I wanted to be at and I’m back there now.”
Now living back in Brisbane, Ellis-yolmen has taken it upon himself to continue his extra training and remain in shape.
He said it was to safeguard himself from the continually changing landscape of the AFL – and the unknown beyond this weekend.
“I’ve tried to (continue cycling and boxing in Brisbane) but it’s a bit different,” he said.
“Adelaide is a lot flatter so you can cycle a bit easier.
“Here, there are hills everywhere and I sweat walking to the cafe because there’s a hill at the front.
“I try to keep up the cross training and boxing and stay fit for the year because you never know what’s going to happen. You could go into a hub or miss a week so everyone’s trying to keep their fitness and stay on the park.”
The Lions will play ladderleader Port Adelaide at the Gabba this weekend.
They will then likely travel to Sydney for round six because Queensland border restrictions may force the AFL to reschedule their Friday night MCG clash against Collingwood.
Ellis-yolmen said the club was prepared to set up camp “wherever” to ensure the rest of the AFL season is played.
“We’ve just got to be ready for anything,” he said.
“This year has thrown up everything so whatever happens and whatever challenges come our way, we’ve just got to put our foot down and keep moving.
“Everyone loves to play at the MCG but we’ve just got to play wherever.”
I TRY TO KEEP UP THE CROSS TRAINING AND BOXING AND STAY FIT FOR THE YEAR BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN CAM ELLIS-YOLMEN