Volleyball stars swap knee pads for gloves and climb into the ring

Considered two big names in Brazilian volleyball, opposite Lorena and striker Erika Coimbra were invited to carry out a different training session at the Academy of a fightwear brand. Top scorers in the history of the Men's and Women's Super League, the athletes had an introduction class to Muay Thai with teacher and fighter Ery Silva.

To get away from the usual aerobic and weight training workouts, Lorena and Erika warmed up with the line of functional equipment, performing a small circuit using ropes, elastic bands, weight balls and balance balls. “I was tired before getting into the ring (laughs). These devices are great for training and it's good that they can be applied to any sport, not just fighting”, said Erika Coimbra in a relaxed tone, after the sequence of exercises.

With the bandages and gloves in order, the two volleyball stars went into the ring to start the class with Ery Silva, South American champion, three-time Brazilian champion and four-time Muay Thai champion from São Paulo. Punches, kicks, knees and defenses for all these blows were taught.

Explosive on the volleyball courts, Lorena adapted well to the ring with powerful strikes, and praised the world of martial fighting. “We really have to take our hats off to the fighters. The work they do and the pace of training is not for everyone. You have to be very prepared to compete. Ery put on a show for us today”, said Lorena, who recently announced that she will remain in Brazil to play in Maringá-PR, alongside her friend and setter Ricardinho.