MZUZU ON BODY WEIGHT TRAINING

MBABANE – The best conditioned basketball player get stronger as the game goes on, while those who are not in-shape run out of steam in the biggest moments.

Inspired by the greatest basketball players of all times, including Kobe Bryant. 

James LeBron and Michael Jordan whose stardom was self-made and earned through hard work and dedication, Manzini Superstars basketball player, Mzuzu Malawuka has never gone a day without training. 

This is despite the absence of basketball sport which remains suspended as it was categorised as a high risk contact sport in as far as the spread of COVID-19 is concerned. 

What started as a hobby in 2013 turned out to passion for the lanky player, who starred his team to back-to-back victories in 2018 and 2019 MTN Basketball League, scoring on threes from outside the perimeter. Body weight training is what keeps this player in-shape regardless of banned competitions and group trainings. Here is what he shared about his individual training during the partial lockdown;

How do you manage to stay in shape?

“The beauty of a body weight workout is that you can perform it anytime, anywhere. I train alone within my family compound, where I do a lot of squats, push-ups, crunches, the plank and wall sit-ups. I also do road work to improve strength and agility which come in handy when defending the ball during play.”

What positive did you unlock from the COVID-19 lockdown?

“I have had minor time top exercise and have greatly improved on my stamina and flexibility through dynamic stretching exercises before a workout. As much as I miss basketball competitions and live experience, I appreciate prioritising human lives.”

How has the lockdown situation affected you?

“As a sportsman, I missed out a lot because we haven’t played since last year. There were no leagues and that also had an impact on athletes well-being.”

How do you sensitise people in your circle about COVID-19?

“People have been taught what to do and it’s a matter of reminding one another to always act according to the rules. This includes wearing masks when interacting with other people, cutting out visitors and maintaining good hand hygiene.”

Below are some examples of excellent body weight exercises you can do for your individual training.

· Squats (lower body)

· Lunges (lower body

· Burpees (whole body)

· Push-ups (upper body)

· Planks (core strength)

· Crunches (core strength)

· Bicycles (core strength)

· Wall sits (core strength and lower body)

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