Sam Gilbert has seen the ups and downs a football career provides.
For 13 years, Gilbert has worked towards getting the most out of himself in preparation for game day. He’s found what works for him and during the regimented week — the running, countless meetings and weights and skills sessions — the veteran Saint finds time for an important piece of his elite regime puzzle.
Gilbert has been practicing yoga since St Kilda’s run of Grand Final appearances at the turn of the decade and believes it’s helpful for his body and career.
“It was a no-brainer. I needed to get more flexibility,” Gilbert told AFLPlayers.com.au.
“We play a lot of night games so I try and do a lot of yoga at seven or eight at night to give myself that awareness of switching on at that time. Anyway you can get that stability in your joints and muscles is beneficial. I sleep really well post session.”
In the video above, through a partnership between the AFL Players’ Association and lululemon, the soon-to-be 32-year-old explains his reasoning for doing yoga and the benefits it provides.
But he admits there’s still improvement to be made.
“I still can’t touch my toes but that’s why I’m practicing!”