Acorn

Issue date: 2/8/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Joanna Whitney Coach Townes stresses the importance of proper form as he instructs Madeleine LaPenta ('08) in her daily stretching routine.

Coaching basketball and teaching yoga share no similarities.

Just ask Drew University men's basketball coach Walter Townes.

Known for his fierce and sometimes uncontrollable passion for the game, Townes also spends his days instructing yoga classes.

"It's so relaxing," Townes said. "It lets me take my mind off of the game, and I just need that relaxation sometimes."

Townes' calm and collective teaching philosophy in class is a far cry from the fiery intensity that he displays on the sidelines. Townes feels that there is a time to exhibit extreme emotions, and yoga class is not one of those times.

"In practice and in the games, you really want to get the most out of your players. You want guys with energy and passion for the game," Townes said. "And the only way to get that out of them is to show that same intense motivation as a coach."

Just as Townes' passionate energy as a coach propels his players to achieve their utmost potential, his relaxed, stress-free instruction during class enables his students to experience vast improvements without the risk of increased blood pressure.

"It's just a really restful atmosphere," Townes said. "And the kids are really getting the most out of it."

Although Townes stresses the importance of a relaxed environment, he wants to see his students improve through hard work and determination.

"Our main goals in class mainly just involve conditioning, stretching, focusing and having fun," he said. "I really want the students to have the same desire and passion as I do."

Rather than complicating the workouts, Townes employs the basics stretches and exercises necessary. However, he stresses the importance of doing these workouts correctly, while displaying extreme focus and determination.

"We're always looking to get better with each class," Townes said. "I started off light with everything, but each week it gets a little bit more intense."

Townes keeps his workouts simple and relaxing, but also intense.

"We just do basic stuff," Townes said. "Like the warrior 1 and 2, the plank pose, and a lot of hamstring exercises and core work too."

In addition to working different muscle groups, Townes is also working aerobics into his routine.

"The breathing exercises that we do actually help me for choir," Jonathan Brennand ('08) said. "It really helps me relax and expand my air capacity."

As Townes elevates the levels of his workouts, he expects his student to improve both aerobically and anaerobically.

"We been starting to work on combinations and incorporating breathing into our workouts," Townes said. "It's becoming faster and more repetitive and I've been introducing new stretches that their bodies aren't used to. But you'd be surprised what your body can do when you put your mind to it."

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