The Red and Black

Issue date: 1/9/09 Section: Sports

CURRAN

It's nine days after the new year and you've already broken your New Year's resolution to get a rock hard six-pack of abs.

You're down, but by no means are you out. Before the New Year, The Red & Black caught up with linebacker Rennie Curran in Orlando to see how he's molded his body, which is physically fit enough to wrestle a bear (and win).

Curran offered some advice for those wanting to get fit and build muscle, giving a little insight as to how he's managed to maintain his game shape.

RB: Since many people want to get in shape for their New Year's resolution, how would you recommend they get started?

RC: Start off slow. Go three times a week for 30 minutes a day. Try to progress. I think some people, when they try to get in shape, they jump in too hard and it ends up not being what they expected. Then they end up giving up. I think you should start gradually and build on it, and be persistent with it really, because it's something that takes time.

RB: In order to stay in shape, how often do you work out with and without the football team?

RC: We definitely work out with the team a lot. For me, keeping my strength during the season, I feel I have to get in there on my own. Whether it's twice a week or whatever, just to maintain strength because you're always hitting and your body is always getting beat down.
So it's crucial that, especially during the in-season, that you get into the gym on your own. Whether it's shoulder work or anything that's an injury-prevention type of workout, to keep my body in shape.

RB: When you work out, what do you focus on?

RC: Basically, like I said, anything that's injury prevention. Stretching, a lot of stretching. My shoulder - my shoulder gets banged up a lot because I'm always taking on those big, fat linemen, so I have to work on that.
My hips, because I'm always roving in my stance. I might do light squats or light leg presses to keep my legs strong.

RB: What foods do you eat?

RC: I just eat a lot, a lot of protein, and a lot of carbs, breads and sausage, things like that. Sometimes I get bad about the food because I know I'm going to work it out. Sometimes I'll go get some donuts, but I never do drink a lot of Sprite or Coke or anything like that. I just try to drink water and Powerade.

RB: Since you're trying to build muscle, how often do you drink protein shakes?

RC: I drink one after every workout and then one after every meal, just to try to keep on the weight. It's hard to keep on the weight when you're out here running around and hitting all the time.

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