Tennessee Titans using yoga program to prevent injuries

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Every time the Tennessee Titans walk on a football field, they strike the warrior pose, stretch out into the dog and turn their bodies into triangles.

It's yoga, NFL style.

The Titans weathered a string of injuries and a 7-9 record last season, leaving the team searching for answers. Players went through five weeks of yoga classes as part of their 14-week conditioning program that started in April. Now, half the stretching they do before each practice and game comes from yoga.

The goal -- to bend everyone, from wiry defensive backs to hulking linemen, into injury-resistant shape.

"We've made significant gains," strength coach Steve Watterson said. "Even the players who don't like it will have to admit it's made a significant improvement in their balance, their core strength and their flexibility."

The Titans aren't alone. The Green Bay Packers also include twice-weekly yoga classes in their conditioning work. Most NFL players, though, try yoga on their own.

Watterson worked with yoga teacher Hilary Lindsay to tailor classes specifically for the Titans. They had only one yoga class last year, and players were skeptical when they found twice-weekly classes on the schedule this spring.

"I've always kind of heard the stereotypes of yoga," running back Dan Alexander said. "Being a young Christian man, are we supposed to do this religion part? What's this yoga all about? I had my doubts, but I came and put my all into it."

Alexander still can't perform all the stretches but does notice better control of his body.

"This is definitely the type of activity you'll get out of it what you put into it," Watterson said. "Thank God most of these players are committed to actually trying to improve each time. I see guys increasing hip flexibility, running better and quicker, better mechanics. It's already translated on the field."

No harder ab work

Yoga isn't the easiest regimen. The offensive linemen struggle the most to twist bodies that weigh a minimum of 300 pounds. Often they lie on their towels, watching smaller teammates bend like pretzels.

Anyone doubting the rigors of yoga should try it, tackle Adam Haayer said.

"Look at me -- I'm sweating like crazy," he said.

Alexander calls the yoga unorthodox but intense.

"Here or at Nebraska, I've never had a strength coach do harder ab work than she does in there," the former Cornhusker said.

Lindsay knew nothing of football before the Titans. She calls it a challenge because some players would have walked out if they could.

"But they hung in there, even though they might seem reluctant, recalcitrant, rebellious, all those things that make a good football player. They're smart guys. They've got good spirit."