Barcelona midfielder Pedri González has stepped into the spotlight this season, not just for his pivotal role in the team’s successes but for his innovative training methods. Instead of traditional weightlifting to build strength, the 22-year-old has embraced a new approach—using elastic bands. In a revelation that might surprise some, Pedri has shared with the media that this change has positively impacted his performance and fitness.
As of March 20, 2025, during a conversation with RAC1, Pedri expressed confidence not just in his new training routine but also in Barcelona's prospects in multiple tournaments this season. “We are alive in the three titles, we are young, so why not dream big? I would be very excited about the Champions League, I have never won it and it has been a long time since Barcelona won it. Against Borussia Dortmund it will be a tough game, but I have a lot of confidence in the team,” he stated.
Antonio Laclériga, a trauma specialist affiliated with Itramed, supports Pedri's transition to elastic bands, indicating that strength training in football should be approached with moderation. According to Laclériga, “training strength is fundamental in everything but in football it must be done in its due measure.” This expert insight reflects a wider consensus in sports science that emphasizes functional strength over sheer muscle mass.
In football, the focus is on explosive strength—quick, powerful movements executed over brief time spans. Overly muscular physiques can be detrimental; they can compromise agility and increase injury risks. As emphasized in the article, “footballers are rarely hyper-muscled because it can lead to injuries.”
Elastic bands offer a notable alternative as they are far less likely to push muscles to their limits, making them a safer option for athletes, especially for those who have had injury concerns like Pedri. He remarked on the effectiveness of these bands, asserting, “Now I don’t lift a weight, I do stretches and work more with rubber bands. Personally, it suits me better and is one of the ways I have found to feel good.”
While elastic bands might seem novel to some, they have gradually gained acceptance amongst various trainers, including well-known coaches like Cholo Simeone, who has utilized them for years. Their efficacy in training is attributed to their dynamic nature; unlike traditional weights that isolate muscle groups, elastic bands provide a more integrated workout adapted to the specific movements of the sport.
Such training methods include not only developing strength but also focusing on specific football-related actions. Laclériga pointed out that “with this type of training, you can have strength and enhance a specific gesture; for footballers, like throwing the ball.” This form of training is believed to enhance stability and motor control, essential attributes on the field.
Moreover, this technique emphasizes eccentric contractions—strengthening while the muscle is lengthened. This is crucial as such exercises can mitigate the risk of injuries that plague athletes. Laclériga noted, “working the eccentric exercise with the bands decreases injury risk and prevents problems,” signifying an important advantage of this method over conventional training.
As he continues to thrive on the pitch, Pedri is eager to build upon his current momentum. Since overcoming previous injury setbacks, he stated, “I am very confident that the injury problems are over. I see them as a thing of the past. I notice that playing regularly helps me.” This self-belief is inspiring, as it highlights his determination to maintain not only peak physical condition but also to contribute to Barcelona's successes.
The implementation of elastic band training is not just a fitness fad for Pedri. Rather, it symbolizes a broader shift in sports training strategies where injury prevention and functional strength take precedence. The benefits are clear: they are affordable, adaptable, and allow for comprehensive muscle training, making them a viable option for athletes at all levels.
In conclusion, Pedri’s innovative training approach and the positive reception of elastic band workouts could well redefine how strength is approached in football. With Barcelona aiming for success in La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey this season, fans can only hope that Pedri’s efforts—supported by contemporary training techniques—will yield significant rewards.
