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113 T here is a new component to the University of Iowa swimming and diving team's dry land training in 2015-16, one that improves flexibility and core strength. e Hawkeyes partnered with the UI Recreation Services prior to the start of the season to implement yoga into their weekly training routine. ree instructors rotate between the men's and women's teams to instruct yoga on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. "It's not uncommon in our sport to utilize yoga in training," said UI head coach Marc Long. "It is a great body awareness tool, but also flexibility. It has been a positive change, helping with core strength and flexibility as well as the mental relaxation aspect." Senior Olivia Kabacinski dabbled in yoga before being re- introduced to it this season, but she had never done it consistently. She is seeing the benefits both in and out of the pool. "It has helped a lot in the weight room with my flexibility and that helps with my back squats and hang cleans," said Kabacinski. "It has also been important this year in preventing injury because it's a lot of stretching and clearing out your head. "One big benefit is it has allowed us to get away from the pool a little bit, giving us a mental break. It's something we look forward to every week." Transitioning into the weekly sessions was an adjustment. "In the beginning it was frustrating because some of the poses require a lot of balancing," said Kabacinski. "e instructors have been patient with us and talk us through it every day. Aer doing it a few months, we're finally starting to get it and everything is clicking. "at is a confidence booster. We put our minds to it and it might not have been the best the first few weeks, but now we're seeing results." Senior Maverick Hovey has noticed increased flexibility, which has translated to his underwater kicks. Senior Addison Boschult has improved balance and core strength, helping to better lines on the platform. Long says one of the biggest benefits to date has come mentally. "It has been a change of pace that is important from a mental standpoint," he said. "e student- athletes have better awareness of their mental and physical being. It has been positive, and we'll continue to do it throughout the year and into the spring." at's welcomed news to sophomore Tereysa Lehnertz. "e yoga helps with clearing your mind and it's a change of what we're used to," she said. "It also helps with my mental state during swimming competitions. "People are starting to see a difference and by the end of the season, they'll be even more substantial." e team will see the results of the new training when it hosts the Hawkeye Invitational from Dec. 5-7 at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center Natatorium. It is the team's first "peak meet" of the season. "e yoga has helped us a lot so far this season," said Hovey. "We'll see how much at the Hawkeye Invitational. I think we'll have huge (time) drops, and some of that could be due to yoga." DECEMBER SCHEDULE Dec. 5-7 Hawkeye Invitational Dec. 11 at Iowa State (W) Dec. 15-20 USA Diving Winter Nationals