by Ronnie Nathanielsz

“Fighter of the Decade” Manny Pacquiao is “on the right track” according to strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza.

Ariza who spoke to BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard after Pacquiao’s workout on Monday said he is “drinking  more fluids, did more isometric exercises today and we discussed going back to the track and what we’re going to do tomorrow (Tuesday in Los Angeles.)”

The last time Pacquiao worked out at the University of California track Ariza was elated at the way he pushed himself and  said later it was the best workout he had seen in years.

Ariza emphasized “I’m not going to get too excited yet but he is on the right track. He did eight rounds on the punch-mitts today and everything went really well and he’s more consistent right now.”

The strength and conditioning coach explained that isometrics “are just more of using balance control and being in certain positions for a period of time for strength and endurance.” On the other hand the strength and conditioning guru said plyometrics are “more explosive and quick and fast movements.”

Pacquiao swung a bat as part of his isometric exercises at the Wild Card Gym.

Ariza told us Pacquiao will go through the plyometrics routine on Tuesday but stressed that while its been satisfying so far “we still have lots of work to do.”

Ariza said the most inspiring aspect of Pacquiao is that “mentally he is very, very good. He’s into asking more questions, looking for me to answer some of the things he asked me before. Its good because Manny never did that before.”

While did didn’t wish to commit that Pacquiao will not have leg cramps as he did before Ariza said “what I can say is Manny has gone back to what we used to do when he didn’t have the cramps as far as doing the drills and all the things he had gotten away from in the last few years. He’s doing it again and it seems to be alleviating that problem.”

Ariza conceded that Pacquiao had “a little problem” with his shoulder and was upset over the fact that  people “who don’t know the anatomy and physiology of a body, they start doing things that they have any experience or background on which makes my job harder. This is the sad thing.”

Pacquiao will resume sparring on Tuesday.

Meantime, Pacquiao continues his dedication to Bible studies and his pastor Jeric Soriano who is with him in Los Angeles and is regarded as a positive influence on Pacquiao, visited the Wild Card Gym and was enlightened by Pacquiao in the finer points of boxing.