A guide to 'remote training' - with Harry Winks

Harry Winks has taken us inside his fitness routine as our players continue to tick over during this enforced break due to the coronavirus.

The professional game in England has been postponed until no earlier than 30 April as we wait for further developments.

As a result, like every other member of our squad, Academy graduate ‘Winksy’ has been given his own individual programme designed by our coaching and sports science teams in order to remain fit and healthy as well as following government messaging on tackling COVID -19 – stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives.

The Club is also providing players with any equipment they may require to fulfil their programmes such as exercise bikes, rollers and weights.

“It’s a bit strange for all of us, but I’ve got my head around it,” said the England midfielder. “In terms of fitness, I’m fine, I’m mainly using the gym at my house. I’ve gym equipment here, a bike, a treadmill. The Club has also given me a squat machine to use to stay strong.

“We’ve all been given a schedule, but it’s flexible, we can do it in our own time. So, for instance, I might have a lay in one day, but then I’ll work later. The important thing is to get it done."

Despite being away from the Training Centre in Enfield, the squad are regularly contacted by Head Coach Jose Mourinho and his coaching staff to check in on their progress, while every player has also been assigned a contact each from our medical and sports science teams to help oversee their home exercise programmes and ensure they are having no issues.

From Monday, the squad will also be doing live video training sessions with the coaches.

In addition, those recovering from injuries have access to video sessions with our physios.

Winksy explained: “The coaching and fitness staff drop us messages and stay in touch in case I have any questions. We also have instructions from the nutrition team on our food and a programme on that.

“We’ve just got to watch what we eat. I’m cooking as well - soups, a lot of salad, eggs, and a little bit of pasta.

“We’ve all been told (by the government) that we can go out for one piece of exercise a day, so I’ve been walking around where I live and other than that, staying home, relaxing and at the same time, staying fit. I’ve got a ball here as well so I’m out in the garden having a kick around!”

Fans following Winksy’s social media will have seen some teabag tekkers on Wednesday, and it’s certainly the camaraderie and buzz of matchday he misses most.

🏠☕ Making tea: @HarryWinks style!#SpursAtHome ⚪️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/2LdsaPLY6F

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 25, 2020

“Yes, I already miss being out there on the pitch and playing in front of the fans, but that’s the way it is,” he added. “We’ve got to get on with it and in all honesty, we’ve all got bigger things to worry about at the moment. It’s a bit boring not being able to go into training and meet the boys but as I said, there are bigger things at stake here. Everyone needs to stay at home and stay safe.”

Overview of player remote training

Physio/sports science

Each player has been assigned a Physio and Sports Science contact from the department. Injured players are contacted daily by their physio contact to liaise over their bespoke rehabilitation programme. Physios are overseeing the completion of these programmes using the available technology and working closely with the Sport Scientist involved in that specific player's care. Players considered available to train are contacted three times a week by their Physio contact to ensure they are having no issues with their dedicated home exercise programme. Sports Science staff are in contact more regularly to oversee these programmes for fit players. Sports Science department has also made a home delivery of equipment to any player who requires it to complete their programmes.

Medical

Provision of medical assessment and treatment for players (First Team and Academy) on a 24/7 basis. This includes remote telephone (voice calls / texts / video-based) assessments and triage, home visits. There is also medical advice available for non-playing members of the Club staff on an as-required basis.

Nutrition

Each player has their own individual nutrition programme which includes a supplement plan, body composition targets, tips for immune support and helping to maintain body composition. They are also provided with a nutrition pack containing supplements, protein snacks and powder, as well as example meal plans which are individualised to the needs of each member of the squad. Players are contacted regularly by a nutritionist and they receive regular recipe cards, while an external performance chef is delivering fresh fruit and vegetable boxes.