"Devin Hester changed his workout routine before last season and was pleased with the results.

After not scoring on a kick return or punt return during the 2008 and '09 seasons, he returned three punts for touchdowns last season, breaking the NFL record for career return touchdowns with a 64-yarder against the Minnesota Vikings on Dec. 20.

This offseason has been strange for everyone because of the league-imposed lockout, but Hester is following the same regimen that he credits for much of his success in 2010. That means he's spending less time lifting weights and more time training on a track to make sure his legs are in condition to excel as a returner and receiver.

That's especially important in an offense designed by coordinator Mike Martz that requires receivers to have explosive speed as well as endurance.

''It's been more running still, more focus on the lower body, just keeping my legs strong and staying in shape," Hester said Thursday after the first day of his two-day kids camp at Lincoln-Way Central. ''That's the nature of our offense. The biggest thing is to come back in shape. That's what me and the guys have been trying to do.''"