Harry Winks has revealed that Tottenham players have been given an individual fitness schedule in order to remain in shape while staying at home during the coronavirus pandemic.
With English professional football postponed until at least April 30, a number of players have had to keep their fitness levels high from home.
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Winks, alongside all Spurs players, was given his own individual programme while following government guidance on staying at home but says they can be flexible in following it.
“It’s a bit strange for all of us, but I’ve got my head around it,” the 24-year-old told the club website.
“In terms of fitness, I’m fine, I’m mainly using the gym at my house. I’ve got gym equipment here, a bike, a treadmill. The club has also given me a squat machine to use to stay strong.
“We’ve all been given a schedule, but it’s flexible, we can do it in our own time. So for instance, I might have a lay in one day, but then I’ll work later. The important thing is to get it done.”
Giving COVID-19 the red card
The quicker we work together to stop coronavirus spreading, the sooner we can get back into the pub, the gyms and stadiums and arenas to see live sport again…
1. Practice social distancing by remaining two metres apart from others.
2. Wash your hands regularly
3. Self isolate if you have a fever or cough
Stay at home if you have either:
a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
For more info and tips, visit the NHS website.
The government has also issued its guidance on social distancing.
Everyone should do what they can to stop coronavirus spreading.
Spurs have been providing players with any equipment they need to complete their own exercise programmes, including weights, rollers and exercise bikes.
Manager Jose Mourinho has also been contacting members of the squad and every player was assigned a coach to oversee their individual programmes, with live video training sessions set to start on Monday.
Winks added: “The coaching and fitness staff drop us messages and stay in touch in case I have any questions.
“We also have instructions from the nutrition team on our food and a programme on that.
“We’ve just got to watch what we eat. I’m cooking as well – soups, a lot of salad, eggs and a little bit of pasta.
“We’ve all been told (by the government) that we can go out for one piece of exercise a day, so I’ve been walking around where I live and other than that, staying home, relaxing and staying fit.
“I’ve got a ball here as well so I’m out in the garden having a kick around.”
When asked about missing football, Winks said: “Yes, I already miss being out there on the pitch and playing in front of the fans, but that’s the way it is.
“We’ve got to get on with it and in all honesty, we’ve all got bigger things to worry about at the moment.
“It’s a bit boring not being able to go into training and meet the boys but as I said, there are bigger things at stake here. Everyone needs to stay at home and stay safe.”