Injury prevention tip

Here is a question I received from a "Men's Hockey League" player... but can apply to all ages and all sports too!

Subject: Hockey Training/Injury Prevention

Question: Hi Martial,I've been playing in the adult league for about two years and really enjoy it. I was wondering if you have any tips on preventing those little aches and pains that develop over the season such as hip flexors and hyper-extensions.

Answer: The best thing to do is take the time to do a (full) and proper warm up and stretch... (There is much written on this - "google it" i.e. http://74.125.95.132/search?q=cache:http://www.netfit.co.uk/fitness/stretching/warm-up-stretches.htm!)

Make especially sure that you stretch all your large muscle groups - legs (hamstring, groin, etc.), back, shoulders, forearms and neck...

Get your blood flowing good before jumping into "harder" play. Skate around -- don't just take shots in warm up! Do some stops and starts -- get the cardio pumping good oxygen.

Staying in good shape off the ice is also very important for minimizing injuries. Ride bike. Do some plyometric exercises. Even lifting some small weights will help!

And finally a good diet (veggies, fruits, fibre) - with proper hydration will help with the muscle aches and pains... It's about getting and staying HEALTHY and vibrant -- and stay away from the COUCH or sitting in front of the PC for too long! HA HA!

Hope this helps!

Good luck with the puck...

Martial