Blue Jays star Bo Bichette kicks up training regimen by adding Muay Thai to the mix
An avid mixed martial arts fan, Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette turned to a traditional combat sport for a new training technique in the off-season.
He tried Muay Thai last fall and incorporated it into his regular workouts along with swimming and Pilates.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
"Honestly it's probably the hardest thing I've ever done," Bichette said. "It was mentally challenging to get through it. But I was lucky enough to have a trainer who pushed me really hard.
"I don't know if that's how every standard Muay Thai session goes but he understood that I wanted to work hard and he really pushed me. So it was difficult."
Muay Thai is a standup striking discipline with workouts that typically include a cardiovascular component.
"It's a combination of kicking, punching, everything," Bichette said. "There was a lot of cardio so it was really hard work, which I enjoyed trying to conquer."
Bichette started in late November at his trainer's suggestion. The 25-year-old had always wanted to try it and was a quick sell.
"I was in and I loved it," he said.
Bichette had two stints on the injured list last season due to a right quad strain and tendinitis in his right knee. He focused on strengthening the leg and was "excited about the shape" he's in after training in a variety of ways.
His Muay Thai work also connected with his love for the UFC.
"I've had some teammates over the years that have been really into it," he said of the MMA promotion. "I've started following it and now I love it. I can't miss an event."
Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette sits in the dugout during spring training in Dunedin, Fla. on Thursday, February 22, 2024. An avid mixed martial arts fan, Bichette turned to a traditional combat sport for a new training technique in the off-season.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn
On occasion over the years, UFC stars will drop in at Rogers Centre before games to watch batting practice and mingle with players.
"The only one I've ever met was GSP," Bichette said, referring to legendary Canadian fighter Georges St-Pierre. "I was younger at the time so I didn't really pick his brain or anything. But there's probably not many better to meet than him.
"I haven't talked to any of (the others) but I'm sure they'd have great things to say mentality-wise (about) conquering fear because I know I'd be scared walking into that Octagon."
The Blue Jays will kick off their regular season March 28 at Tampa Bay.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 14, 2024
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Joly, Blair condemn anti-NATO protest in Montreal that saw fires, smashed windows
Federal cabinet ministers condemned an anti-NATO protest in Montreal that turned violent on Friday, saying 'hatred and antisemitism' were on display.
Canada Post down eight million parcels amid strike as talk carry on over weekend
Canada Post says it has seen a shortage of more than eight million parcels amid the ongoing strike that has effectively shut down the postal system for nine days compared with the same period of 2023.
NEW Thinking about taking an 'adult gap year'? Here's what experts say you should know
Canadian employees are developing an appetite for an 'adult gap year': a meaningful break later in life to refocus, refresh and indulge in something outside their daily routine, according to experts.
Walking pneumonia is surging in Canada. Is it peaking now?
CTVNews.ca spoke with various medical experts to find out the latest situation with the typically mild walking pneumonia in their area and whether parents should be worried.
Prime Minister Trudeau attends Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in Toronto with family
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is a Swiftie. His office confirmed to CTV News Toronto that he and members of his family are attending the penultimate show of Taylor Swift's 'The Eras Tour' in Toronto on Friday evening.
Minister calls GST holiday, $250 cheques for 18 million Canadians 'a targeted approach'
Women and Gender Equality and Youth Minister Marci Ien is calling the federal government's proposed GST holiday and $250 rebate cheques a 'targeted approach' to address affordability concerns.
Afraid of losing the U.S.-Canada trade pact, Mexico alters its laws and removes Chinese parts
Mexico has been taking a bashing lately for allegedly serving as a conduit for Chinese parts and products into North America, and officials here are afraid a re-elected Donald Trump or politically struggling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau could try to leave their country out of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement.
ICC warrants are binding, EU cannot pick and choose, EU's Borrell says
European Union governments cannot pick and choose whether to execute arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against two Israeli leaders and a Hamas commander, the EU's foreign policy chief said on Saturday.
Doctor at the heart of Turkiye's newborn baby deaths case says he was a 'trusted' physician
The Turkish doctor at the center of an alleged fraud scheme that led to the deaths of 10 babies told an Istanbul court Saturday that he was a 'trusted' physician.