Growing boy or girl? Get them to finally train the right way this summer!
There are A LOT of expectations on children nowadays to get into some form of dry land training which is supposed to help them improve their sport.
While they may surely improve, we have seen time and time again the advent of overuse injuries because the patterns are being RECREATED during their dry land sessions or the excesses in question do not apply to the sport.
For instance:
- Did you know that ALL major strokes in swimming involve internal rotation of the shoulder? What do we usually see kids do? TONS of planks and push ups in order to strengthen themselves (in the SAME position they are using daily)!
- If an activity requires reaction time and speed, why would someone go for a long distance run? (running is great but ask yourself if this will help make the child better at prevent injuries and their sport)? How about some dodgeball for reaction time, speed, agility, timing, and cardio?
One of the things that baffles my mind is that in most fitness books there is little mention on creating a better balance when exercising. There will be some great content but more often than not, balance through CORRECTIVE exercise is not fully addressed.
We have mentioned it in our fitness tips before.
“Stretch what is tight, strengthen what is weak, in that order” and you will achieve a better and balanced body.
Here are 2 examples and how you can see and feel the difference:
EXAMPLE #1:
– Sit up tall on your chair while reading this and cross one ankle over the other knee and bow forward from the waist. Hold it for 5 seconds.
– Now repeat the same movement with the opposite ankle. Hold it for 5 seconds.
You should notice a difference in how one side feels tighter than the other. If this is the case, stretch the side that is tighter—your body is TELLING you to! Now imagine running or exercising with one hip tighter than other! Something is BOUND to happen!
EXAMPLE #2:
– Sit up tall, cross your arms across your chest with elbows pointing forward. Turn your torso in one direction then the other.
One side may feel tighter than the other.
If it is, guess what you need to do? Yes! Stretch that tighter side. Now imagine golfing or playing tennis with one side of your body not rotating as efficiently as the other!
Therefore, PLEASE take the time to “stretch what is tight, and strengthen what is weak” in that order!
