So while most of us are sitting here twiddling our thumbs as we wait for the Blink 182 sidewaves to be announced, Travis Barker has been hard at work, getting into tip-top shape for the band’s soon-to-be glorious return Down Under.
Barker has enlisted the help of LA trainer Michael Giovanni Rivera, who runs Giovanni Fitness. Giovanni has worked with other celebs such as Jesse Jane, and perhaps more testament to his abilities as a trainer would be his other student Tito Ortiz. A source for TheMusic.com.au has confirmed that the training is in prep for long-haul tours. The sessions will focus mainly on hand and foot speed (which he will need for drumming).
Speaking about their fitness regime, Giovanni told TheMusic.com.au “ [The] Main purpose for our training is increasing hand and foot speed to improve his drumming along with increasing cardiovascular and muscular endurance to with stand long performance and tours that get demanding on the body,” It sounds like an absolute torture, as Giovanni further explains, “We do that by high intensity training, sport specific movements geared towards drumming. Also work on core and strength. Since he is a MMA fan I’ll put some of that in there too, because that will quicken the hands and feet as well. So we do multiples of things. It’s pretty cool variety; I’ll even mix in drumming in some intervals.”
This is pretty forward thinking idea from the sticks man who, judging by recent live footage, is in fine form indeed. It’s good to know that he’ll be even better (if that’s even possible) by the time he’s in town for Soundwave next year. And while we’re on the topic, please remain calm: Sidewave deets are sure to come soon.
