Training Smart to Avoid Injury
There are a few main points that I want to emphasise in looking after yourself as an athlete – amateur, professional, serious or leisurely… it all applies.
Listen to your body
Our bodies have inbuilt signal mechanisms to identify to you when they need something. It may not be as obvious as a child’s tantrum at times, but the signs are there.
Take a check …
Are you lethargic & exhausted after just the warm up today?
Have you been excessively muscle sore this week, not recovering at your usual pace?
Have you been more out of breath or dizzy in spin pole?
Do you feel tighter in stretch class than usual?
These are all signs you need to listen to and alter your training plan to take it easy.
Do you need to take it easy today because your fuel tank is depleted? Or did you not fuel properly throughout the day and before class, so your fuel stores won’t support your training?
Rest counts as training in your schedule
You need to allow your body to heal from the demands of training. Did you know DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) is caused by muscle fibre micro-tears? Active recovery is wonderful, but you need to sometimes stop and allow the muscle repair/growth to occur.
Maintain your body with recovery supports
Those TLC practices are vital – epsom salt baths, foam rolling, massage appointments, stretching, yoga, meditation (remember the mental elements too).
Listen to and seek professional advice
Worried about a new pain or something feeling out of place recently? Consult a professional! Dr.Google is not going to assess or diagnose you accurately. Speak to someone qualified and allow them to guide your body back to peak performance, the right way.
Ignorance is not bliss
Finally, I know it’s hard… but please do not ignore that niggly shoulder, the aching back, the shooting wrist pain when you train. These things are not normal and they should not be ignored. Your body needs respect and your care to sustain aerial longevity.