Pictured left to right: Argonauts Byron Parker and Jordon Younger

By: Roxanne Elizabeth Francois

Photography: Melissa Bessey

Have you been spending your spring holed up in the gym doing three-hour workouts in anticipation of bathing suit weather? Is your body toned, fit and ready to show off this summer? If the answer is no, don’t worry — you’re just like the rest of us. And with that in mind, Sway connected with Toronto Argonauts Jordan Younger (two time East Division All-Star cornerback) and Byron Parker (2003 NCAA basketball slam dunk champion and Argos cornerback) in order to get you ready for the summer by showing you how to work out like a pro.

What are the most important factors to remember to achieve

Parker does a tricep dip

maximum results?

PARKER: A good breakfast is important — oatmeal or bran cereal or a muffin. Everyone should eat something in the morning; we all need something to help you fuel your day.

YOUNGER: A good diet is essential. What you eat the days before your workout can really affect your performance. Also, make sure to stay hydrated during your workout, lots of liquid is crucial.

What kind of strategies do you use in order to stay on top of your game?

YOUNGER: Mental preparation — I remember all of the times that I lost a game, and then realize how much I hate defeat. There are days that you might not feel like you want to work out, but you’ve got to stay motivated to reach your goal. Failure cannot be an option.

What contributes to people seeing results in their training?

Younger gets some cardio over hurdles

PARKER: Cardiovascular training is important. As a cornerback, speed and stamina are important. We do drills walking over and under hurdles to improve our hip strength and flexibility. This is a safe way to improve speed and agility, and helps to prevent injury, especially during high-impact cardiovascular exercise. Strong hips help with sudden changes of direction or explosive movements.

What do you have to say to people who aren’t athletes, but want to keep their bodies in shape?

YOUNGER: My job is to be fast, yet strong enough to compete. I concentrate on working out using light weights and high repetitions. If you are not looking to get bulky, choose to do functional exercises. Instead of heavy weights, add variations to your workouts by changing hand positions, adjusting the exercise angle or using a medicine ball.

What kind of strength training exercises do you do?

Parker works his core with six-inch leg lifts

YOUNGER: I do squats, push ups, chin ups, bench presses and dips.

What aspect of training do people often overlook?

PARKER: Core strength training! When a person’s core strength breaks down, everything else is going to break down with it. Every movement starts from the centre of your body. It is important that everyone strengthen their core — it is key to improving balance.

What kind of core training exercises do you do?

PARKER: Medicine ball tosses, boxer sit ups, and six-inch leg and knee raises.