The two-week Christmas break isn’t going to be all rest and relaxation for the Brisbane Lions players.

Strength and Rehabilitation Coach Alex Clarke told lions.com.au that each player is expected to complete some basic training exercises during their holiday to maintain a certain level of fitness.

“They’re still required to complete six running sessions, as well as do some strength work,” Clarke said.

“Then there are the rehab guys, who have their own set programs which are a bit different to the rest of the group to make sure they’re on track to return to full training in the New Year.”

Although the Lions players will spread far and wide during their break, the Club has put measures in place to facilitate training for those who travel away from Brisbane. 

“Because we’ve got so many guys from different States, we try and get them to train in small groups with each other,” Clarke said.

“A lot of the guys who are heading down to Melbourne will have access to a gym, and we’ve also got some contacts in the other States as well.”

Exactly how diligent the players have been with their training and diet will be closely monitored upon their return to the Club in January.

“We test them before they leave, and we’ll test them when they get back,” Clarke said.

“So we can effectively see how well they’ve looked after themselves during the break. Most have been pretty good in the past.”

“Their diet should pretty much stay the same, although I suppose they’re allowed one free hit on Christmas Day. But we still expect them to come back in reasonable shape.”