Focused on returning to the playing field sooner rather than later, Zac Smith has turned to gymnastics in a push to assist in rehabilitating his knee.

 “It’s been great, I have been attending gymnastics and it has really helped me to build some confidence back in the body,” Smith said.

Once a week, the Gold Coast ruckman has been learning balance from some of the Gold Coast’s leading gymnastic specialists as part of his rehabilitation to further strengthen his surgically-repaired knee.

Because ruckmen spend more time in the air than any other players on game day, Smith said ensuring his body could jump with ease was critical to his rehab.

“Being a ruckman it (rehab) does take a little bit longer because the limbs take longer to heal,” he said.

“We also do a lot more jumping than any other position, so it’s good to get the confidence back in the body to know that you can land safely on the ground.

With the main training group set to run out on the training field for the final time in 2013 tomorrow, Smith will likely complete his final pre-Christmas preparations in isolation with rehabilitation coach Paul Haines.

Although the future is looking bright for the 23-year-old Gold Coaster, he did reveal the lengthy comeback at times was tough to swallow.

“It does play on your mind and it can get repetitive, but that’s what you have to do to get back to the main training group,” he said.

“You do it because you’re a professional athlete and want to get back out there.”

Nevertheless, Smith is pleased with his training schedule ahead of the extended break.

“I can’t wait to get back out there with the boys and hopefully train with them in the New Year.”