South Sydney halfback Adam Reynolds turned to Bikram yoga in his ongoing recovery from a fractured back.
While Reynolds insists he remains match fit, he continues to be bothered by the fractured back he had suffered in late May.
The No.7 only missed two games, however he originally feared his season was over after copping an accidental knee in the back against Parramatta.
Some have questioned whether he is fully fit, with the goalkicking playmaker looking below his best during the side’s three-game slump which has them outside the top four, heading into Friday’s bumper clash with Brisbane.
He has at times suffered spasms which have affected his ability to train.
Asked if he was feeling hobbled by the fractured vertebrae, Reynolds said: “Other than the Melbourne game, not really.
“For parts of the Melbourne game, I was really good. Just the back end of that game it caught on and I was getting a bit of a spasm but, on the weekend, (during their round-22 loss to Canterbury) it wasn’t too bad.
“I felt it through periods of the game but it didn’t stop me, hamper my movements or anything.”
To try to aid his recovery, he has been taking part in Bikram yoga classes – which involves doing yoga in rooms heated to between 35C-42C.
“I’m getting more flexible – it’s about finding new ways to combat these sorts of injuries,” Reynolds said.
“Anything that gives me an edge and helps me improve, I’m willing to help it.
“It’s a bit tough but I enjoy it – it’s something different. It keeps things fresh.”
With Souths in fifth spot and clinging onto their top-four hopes with three games remaining, Reynolds shapes as key to their push into the finals.
And he defended his ability to take the field, insisting he wasn’t putting his long-term health at risk.
“If I wasn’t right, I wouldn’t play – simple as that,” Reynolds said.
“I’ve got a medical staff and they do a fantastic job and they have for a number of years. I’ve got full trust in them and, if I didn’t think I was up to playing some good-quality football, I wouldn’t do it.”