In John Morris' debut book, Fit to Curl, he discusses everything from what it takes to eat and train like an athlete, how the sport of curling has evolved from its early inception, what experiences shaped his own success, and how curlers of all ages can physically and mentally improve their game by putting their bodies and minds to the test in and outside of the curling season.
Where Does Fitness "Fit" Into Curling?
Let's be honest, curling looks easy. One person tosses a halved bowling ball down a sheet of ice while two others shuffle brushes in front of it, maybe the stones hit each other, all the while someone else in the background frantically yells, "Haaaard!" and somehow – one team scores a point or two. Sound familiar?
It's safe to acknowledge that those out there who have never played or watched a game of curling can pass it off as a simple sport with little athleticism needed. Some still may not consider it a real sport at all (did someone just gasp?). Curling athletes, well, they seem to have little reason to train or stay in shape. After all, how hard can throwing rocks and sweeping brooms actually be?
The Brains Behind Fit To Curl
John Morris has a few ideas. With help from Curling Show Host and fellow curler, Dean Gemmell, and an arsenal of additional contributing experts and professionals (including top ranking curlers from around the globe), John's breakthrough guide on training for curling fully engages the reader into thinking about that often overlooked question: where does fitness "fit" into curling?
Morris, who has been curling since the age of five out of Ottawa, Ontario, across Canada and the world, leaves no stone unturned in his honest and personable account of days when eating right and lifting weights were second rate to having fun. Not only does he understand the value of those two components (and having fun, of course), he discusses his own realization of what needed to change in order for him to feel he was bringing his best to the game, every time.
As a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University with studies in Kinesiology and Physical Education, not to mention being a personal trainer and Nutrition and Wellness Specialist, there’s little to doubt when reading about John’s dedication to helping others optimize their player potential, right down to meal plans and metabolic processes.
The book emphasizes a combination of raw talent and solid commitment to practice and if his teammates Ben Hebert, Marc Kennedy, and Kevin Martin are part of the evidence, it’s difficult to deny that they have both and that they too understand what being fit to curl is all about. Check out the back of the book for an example of Marc Kennedy's rigorous cardio regimen or have a quick look at Ben Hebert’s biceps, for instance.
Getting Fit to Curl
It takes about twenty-one muscles to deliver a curling stone (which is generally forty-four pounds), twenty-two to sweep, and just four to hold on to a bottle of water in between ends. That’s a fair amount of muscle power – specific muscles that John highlights (each and every one of them, with detailed diagrams…except for that bottle hand…) in his book, along with a full photo training guide designed to isolate and build the sort of stamina and endurance necessary for every type of competition. Couple that with cardiovascular training, stretching, and balance exercises – who needs a breather?
The wealth of exercises and insight given in these pages are well thought out and thoroughly explained, including their benefits. John even discusses preconceived notions of curling through its uprising as a legit sport and, moreover, the changing rules and competitive graduation of honors and prizes over the years that make winning these days even more rewarding.
He also explores the expectations of the players, even down to the honest expectations of his own game play, which involved, at one point or another, a lack of full attention to his physical and mental health necessary to focus on winning.
Most importantly, his advice on cardiovascular training, strength training, flexibility and balance, is easy to follow and divided into beginning, intermediate, and tour fitness levels so that everyone finds the right way to train and improve. It’s comparable to having a fitness trainer in print – take out the yelling and someone crying – except that this one is highly knowledgeable about curling and he’s put his own theories to the test once or twice.
What makes John's approach dually unique in this book is that he doesn't simply set out a bunch of rules and guidelines, he opens up a dialogue about physical training and mental health in and outside of the game, acknowledging the communication and camaraderie of curling teams and the sport overall that makes it what it is – something everyone can enjoy and do well in.
Morris' point is simple, where the game itself necessarily isn't: playing well in curling has a lot to do with how well its players train before, during, and after the season. Sure, it takes commitment and time, but Morris has thought of that. It takes wanting to win – who hasn’t thought of that? But maybe it also just takes wanting to try, or try harder, and this book has no limit to its encouragement and advice for everyone interested in picking up a broom.
Purchase a Copy of Fit to Curl
For more information and to order a copy of the book, please visit the Fit to Curl website or contact your nearest Chapters/Indigo bookstore. Additionally, a dollar from every sale of the book in Canada goes to junior curling team programs in the CCA (Canadian Curling Association)
Erin McLaughlin - As an honors graduate of the University of Toledo's Arts and Sciences program with a B.A. in English and a focus on general writing, Erin ...
