Have you ever wondered how athletes such as Lebron James stays healthy throughout the season? With the upcoming winter sports season, injuries will arise as well. LM’s most popular sport, basketball, isn’t nearly as rough as other sports, such as football, yet it draws quite a few injuries nonetheless. At LM’s rival football game against Radnor four weeks ago, Radnor’s starting quarterback suffered a severe injury early in the game, setting the tone for their 56-12 loss. These injuries are a part of the game, but what can athletes do to prevent them?
Warm up and cool down
One of the worst things you can do as an athlete is play your sport without warming up your body. Not only does this make you more prone to injuries, but it hurts your performance as well. Stretching, throwing, or doing whatever it is that gets your muscles ready will contribute to a better performance and make you more prepared for every game. With that said, every athlete knows how uncomfortable cramps and sores feel after a game. To prevent these bothersome issues, try stretching after your activity or moving around after your match, rather than just relaxing for a prolonged period of time.
Stay active in the offseason
Create a consistent routine of practicing your sport, even when you don’t have any more games. Muscle memory, the ability to reproduce a particular movement without conscious thought, is one of the most crucial parts of sports, and the only way to develop it is through practice. So if you want to gain skill and continue to be healthy, stay active and maintain strong work habits.
Be cautious
If you have suffered a recent injury, such as a concussion or a broken bone, it is best not to rush your recovery. Even if you receive a doctor’s note and are cleared to play after an injury, you should make sure you feel 100 percent before returning to play. Playing before full recovery can lead to reinjury, which can keep you from playing for an extended period of time. If you do not wait, you run the risk of a long-term severe injury.
Maintain proper form
Whether it’s in the gym or on the field, form is crucial to almost every aspect of every sport. In baseball, it helps you hit the ball farther and harder. In football, it helps you throw more accurately. In basketball, it helps make your shots more consistent. Not only does it improve your execution, but it can also help prevent severe injuries. For instance, poor deadlift form can lead to acute back pain and poor throwing form can lead to muscle strains or tears.
Listen to your body
Even if you’ve adhered to the three previous tips on this list, you may still encounter an injury. Whether the injury is just some soreness or as serious as a broken finger, you should never push your body past reasonable limits. If you think you might have suffered a serious injury, don’t hesitate to check up with a doctor or speak with one of LM’s talented trainers. Even the little things can lead to big issues if left unchecked.
Unfortunately, no matter what you do, injuries are practically unavoidable in every sport. However, proper routines and habits can definitely influence your health. The most important aspect of staying healthy and succeeding in your sport is consistency. If you want to be the best and don’t want to be set back because of your skills, just keep practicing. By following these five simple tips, you can help prevent injuries and maximize healthy playing time.
