YOUR GUIDE TO THE POST SEASON.
As we come to the close of the 2022 fall sports season, there are a lot of athletes and their parents looking at the coming months and trying to figure out what comes next. Some may already have obligations or commitments and to others the road ahead is full of possibilities. During this time it is crucial that we take a look at what you and your body need as part of the transition.
The first 4-6 weeks after season ends, and longer in some cases, are very important when it comes to self care. There are very few athletes who can make it through any competitive season without some sort of minor injury or nagging discomfort. Now is the time to take care of these issues and jumping headlong into another competitive season in not the way to do it.
Instead, the first one to two months post season should be focused on catching up on missed sleep, corrective exercises or therapies to treat problem areas, lots of good food and a steady diet of conservative resistance training. These things together will help to heal your body and allow your mind a chance to recover from the stress of competition. While the consistent and conservative resistance training helps to prepare you for either the start of your next sport or the start of a strategic off-season training program aimed at preparing you for next season.
If you are facing the end of your current season or thinking ahead to the end of next season keep these points in mind. The time after season is devoted to you and getting you healthy for your next opportunity to compete. Ignoring what your body needs, during this time, is a great way to ensure injury or burnout are just around the corner.