Brandon Bass isnt afraid of breaking a sweatin the yoga studio.
The Boston Celtics power forward has been taking bikram yoga classes for the past three years. His nutritionist recommended the exercise, in which a room is heated to over 100 degrees, while he was playing for the Orlando Magic.
Bass he has stuck with it since joining the Celtics. He credited yoga for helping him to bounce back from knee injuries last season.
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I go twice a week for 90 minutes, he told CSNNE.com. I find that its good for lengthening, strengthening, and balance. My nutritionist got me into it. I thought he was crazy because it was hardvery hardmy first time. But its a mental thing so I just got used to it and now its easy.
Now in his eighth NBA season, the 27-year-old is mindful of how he takes care of his body, which includes carefully selecting the foods he consumes. Bass pregame meals consist of either sweet potatoes or pastaThe best slow-burning carbs, he explainedand he also drinks fruit or vegetable blend drinks.
Some of the vegetable drinks I dont like, but I get used to it, he said. Its a lifestyle for me. I dont really eat for taste anymore. When youre eating healthy, you cant possibly be eating for taste.
Bass entered this season weighing 250 pounds, down from 265 in last years training camp. A Louisiana native, he has to resist temptation when he returns in the offseason.
Its absolutely hard because when I go back home I have family that wants to cook for me, soul food, he said. I cheat my diet sometimesred beans and rice, cornbread, red velvet cake, pound cake sometimes. I didnt splurge much though.
Bass dedication to staying fit and agile on the court is paying off. He is averaging 9.9 points and 5.7 rebounds in 29.7 minutes this season. Bass ranks third on the Celtics in total rebounds (51) and leads the squad in offensive boards (18 of the teams total 61).
