Sept. 21, 2009

CHICAGO- UIC student-athletes will have the benefit of a new form of training beginning this week, as the inventor of Meridian Touch Sports Yoga, Darryl Akin-Afam, will be meeting with and instructing all Flames athletes.

"I've known Darryl through his work with athletes at Northwestern," Nick Zostautas, head of UIC strength and conditioning, said. "What he does helps athletes understand their bodies better, and through his techniques he helps athletes come back from injury faster, with a holistic approach. I honestly believe Darryl is the best at what he does."

Akin-Afam, who has worked previously with various teams at Northwestern, is an A.C.E. certified trainer and has experience with many types of martial arts. In addition to his work with Northwestern and now UIC, Akin-Afam also currently conducts Oriental Sports Medicine workshops, lectures and Meridian Touch Master classes in Chicago and New York City.

The work Akin-Afam will be doing with the UIC athletes will be implementing self-acupressure techniques. He will be on campus for seven days instructing the Flames.

Fans can listen to podcasts featuring exclusive interviews with UIC head coaches, staff and student-athletes in two ways:

1. Download the free UIC Athletics Widget and click on the "UIC Flames Podcasts" link

2. Download podcasts for free on iTunes by searching "UIC Flames."

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