James Loney demonstrates the Pilates One Single Leg Kick as he is sliding into third base for a triple Wednesday in the third inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros.
James Loney has been putting his mind, body and soul into his effort this season, which makes perfect sense.
Loney had a hit in every Dodgers game this season heading into Monday’s contest against the Pittsburgh Pirates. That would be a 12-game hitting streak to start the season, or better yet, a hit in 20 of his past 21 games dating back to the end of last season.
Like Six-Time All-Star Curt Schilling, Loney credits his success to his off-season Pilates regimen, that has strengthened his core muscles.
“It’s not only good for flexibility, it’s a good workout too,” Loney said. “It’s kind of like a two-in-one deal.”
Loney wanted to give the practice a try, but was worried that he might be the only man at the
“I had to find a buddy of mine to do it with,” said Loney, who indeed found a partner. “(But) the mirrors are kind of dark so I don’t think anybody could see in anyway.”
It didn’t take Loney long to realize there was nothing to be embarrassed about. He not only is physically fit, Loney is producing at the plate better than any of the team’s four prized youngsters: himself, Russell Martin, Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp.
seeing the ball well, my timing is there. I just feel ready to go. I feel like when I’m up there in the box, I’m in control.”
Pilates has certainly assisted in Loney’s success. He not only was batting .386 at the start of Monday’s game, but after being called up June 10 last season, he batted .331, the eighth highest batting average in Los Angeles Dodgers history (minimum 300 plate appearances).
“For a left-handed hitter - and we have a couple of guys right now - it’s very unusual to have left-handed hitters that have that kind of level (opposite-field) swing,” manager Joe Torre said. “Both (Andre) Ethier and Loney have that type of swing. It’s a (Don) Mattingly-type swing. You see so many left-handers with that drop-and-drive type of thing where they pull the ball. These guys stay inside the ball.”
The former first-round pick in 2002, who once drove in nine runs in a 2006 game against the Colorado Rockies, can also flash the power when he needs to. He entered with two home runs and his 19 at the start of the season were fourth most among players under 23.
Loney figures if he can stay healthy there will be even more offensive production to come. Expect Pilates to remain a part of the program.
“Staying ahead of the curve with some new-age stuff, I guess,” he said.
Engage your core like never before enhance your performance with Pilates today
written by PalmBeach
April 21st, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Hah! Great photo caption (and it is the single leg kick, amazingly enough). But Loney’s quote is the key–Pilates is a 2 for 1 deal (really 3 for 1) as you get strength training, core training, and flexibility training all in one workout. Great post!
Lynda
Pilates & Reiki In Paradise Blog
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November 3rd, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Ha, it’s funny that this was against the Pirates. Maybe they should look into providing Pilates to their players too so they can be competitive someday!
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