Dodgers News: Mookie Betts Has Started Working Out With Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Trainer
Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s unique training style has captured the interest of some of his Los Angeles Dodgers teammates including Mookie Betts.
Mike Digiovanna of the Los Angeles Times describes Yamamoto’s training methods as emphasizing flexibility, body control, and body awareness over strength and includes contortionist yoga techniques, handstands, and the tossing of a javelin-type device.
The fascination has inspired Betts to try it. At 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, Betts is about the same size as Yamamoto.
“I don’t necessarily know what I’m doing — I’m just kind of doing it, and I feel good, so we’ll see. The whole thing is interesting. You’re never too old to learn. You’re never too good to learn.”
Mookie Betts via L.A. Times
Betts began working with Yata Sensei, Yamamoto’s personal trainer, this week and has been following some of his teammate’s regimen.
“He’s won, what, three most valuable player awards and three Cy Youngs [in Japan]? I mean, he’s all-world, so why would you not at least be open-minded to it? I’ve got nine years [left on my contract]. I’m gonna make it the best nine years that I can.”
Mookie Betts via L.A. Times
Betts, who hit .307 with a .987 OPS, 39 homers, and 107 RBIs and placed second in National League MVP voting last season, doesn’t expect to add much strength but he wants to gain some flexibility and remain healthy for years to come.
“It’s not like I’m hitting 460-foot homers now, and if I start working out [differently], I may add what, two feet [of distance]? It’s more important to stay healthy and be the best Mook for these next nine years, or however long I’ve got.”
Mookie Betts via L.A. Times
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
