THIS is the fittest Laker Lincoln Barnes has felt in a football pre-season.
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Barnes has adopted a new workout approach that is huge in the United States, booming in Melbourne and Geelong, and a new, growing phenomenon in Ballarat - CrossFit.
The past two months, Barnes has been learning the lingo and techniques for a workout regime that encourages you to improve your personal bests and be inspired by all varied levels of CrossFitters - professional athletes to beginners - across the globe.
CrossFit's premise is a constantly varied program of functional movements - things you do in everyday life like squatting, pressing and pulling movements - but in shorter, higher intensities.
Training can be in group or private sessions with instructors.
There are no weight machines or mirrors in Barnes' gym, CrossFit 3350 in Delacombe. The floor layout is simple but makes for endless possibility.
"Really, (CrossFit) is a complete mix - you never know what you are going to get," Barnes said.
"There's a lot of personal pride in the scores you get, your times and how much weight you actually lift.
"You're always trying to get those PBs (personal bests) and the best from yourself."
Barnes has studied health and physical education at university and knew a couple of CrossFitters, who love the workout, looked into it and decided to give CrossFit a go.
He has not looked back once.
Barnes usually fits his sessions in before work, leaving his evenings free for football training at Lake Wendouree.
The workouts complement the Lakers' pre-season demands and he can hardly wait to test how his newfound fitness translates on the field.
"I recommend CrossFit for any footballer or netballer, anyone who does a bit of sport," Barnes said.
"Definitely get involved because it improves your fitness out of sight."
