Fittest Guys in America

Chase Utley - Pro Baseball Player

MF: What kind of off-season stuff did you do to get your body ready for the '08 campaign? Is there even a true off-season anymore, especially for a franchise infielder like yourself?

CU: This was the shortest off-season so far in my career. It went by extremely fast. My downtime was about 3 1/2 weeks where I didn't do much except let my body recuperate from the season. After that, come mid-November I started working on strength, flexibility, agility, and a lot of core.

What's your diet like?

I like chicken and some fruits and vegetables. Over the past five years I've adjusted my diet here and there. I stay away from soda. The only liquid I put it my body is water. I think nutrition is extremely important. The healthier you eat, the better your body will respond to athletic competition.

Do you have to work to stay lean, or does it come naturally to you?

I've always been lean. Whether that is being blessed or not, I don't know. I've actually tried to put on weight during the off-season because I lose it very quickly when games start. I try to come into spring training a little heavier than I'd like to be because I know I'll lose that weight.

You're a versatile hitter and player, but you've got impressive power as well. How do you work on building that kind of home-run power?

I don't think I have impressive power. I think the guy next to me at first base has impressive power. My whole goal every year is to improve. Get stronger, quicker, and become a better player. Occasionally, I sneak a homer out of the park.

What's your focus in the gym? Are you working on building more size and strength, or are you more concerned with flexibility?

My focus in the gym is all three of them. I like to add some muscle and continue to keep my flexibility. Having a strong core is important, as is becoming a better athlete.

Back to the 2008 MF 25