Nick Swisher might be in a slump, but he's hoping that some old-school training is going to improve his swing and bring up his paltry .202 batting average. The Cleveland Indians' first baseman was recently on the new Discovery Channel show American Muscle. Trainer Mike Barwis had Nick Swisher in the snow tossing half-full kegs of beer. Hopefully Swisher, who is married to TV's Ariel on Once Upon A Time, Joanna Garcia Swisher, can translate this old world training method into more hits.
The new reality show, which features professional trainers working with professional athletes, premiered earlier this month. Last week Nick Swisher showed up and got some unexpected advice from his trainer (via TMZ):
"The Indians 1st baseman appeared on the Discovery Channel show American Muscle when host and fitness expert Mike Barwis decided to try some unorthodox training methods on Swisher ... including a keg toss. It's pretty awesome to see Nick training in the snow a la Stallone in Rocky IV (greatest training montage of all time)."
You know that's true about Rocky IV...
But Barwis' technique isn't just crazy theatrics or TV shock value. His keg toss was actually scientifically designed to work specific muscles necessary to properly swing a baseball bat. His theory is that by working those muscles with the heavy kegs Swisher would strengthen them so that his swing would become naturally more powerful (via CBS Sports):
"... And the most intriguing part of the episode involves Swisher throwing beer kegs to help improve his baseball swing. Say what? Yes, there's actual muscle technique in here."
Here's a clip of the Nick Swisher keg toss:
Check out American Muscle on Discovery Channel Wednesdays at 9p.m.
Also, if you are a fan of his wife, Joanna Garcia Swisher, watch her portray Ariel this fall on ABC's Once Upon A Time.
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