Getting Your Kids Ready for Two-A-Day Practices
By Virginia Laird
Is it football season yet? Hundreds of young athletes across Texas are headed back to the fieldhouse taking on the task of two-a-day practice. For these students, this can be fun, exciting, scary, and challenging. However, when the first lights shine bright on the field for the opening game of the season, all the hard work will have been well worth it. Health and wellness experts suggest that there are a few things you can do to help the struggle of these first practices of the season become a little easier. Some of these tips include:
- Exercise together daily
- Start making hydration a priority
- Encourage your athlete to get enough sleep
Exercise Together Daily
Exercising to get ready for football and volleyball can be a difficult chore. Health and wellness experts advise that working out with your athletes prior to the first day of two-a-day practices can be beneficial. Research suggests those who fail to prepare for the demanding early season practices can struggle to stay on their feet (literally). These experts suggest that walking and light jogging outside can help your athlete get ready for grueling practices in the heat.
Start Making Hydration a Priority
Health and wellness professionals preach that one way to beat the two-a-day practice grind is to begin making hydration a priority right now. Staying hydrated can help prevent heat related illness as well as muscle cramps when hitting the field. While research suggests that water is the best beverage for the body, those exercising outdoors may need a sports drink to help replenish sodium lost through sweat.
Encourage Your Athlete to Get Enough Sleep
Although high school football and volleyball practice may be a few weeks away, it can be wise to begin getting enough sleep right away. Research suggests that a well rested body can perform at a higher level. Making sure to be well rested can help your athlete display their mad skills. Start today getting plenty of sleep. The sleep foundation has put out a chart of ideal hours of sleep. Check here to see where everyone in your house falls.
Now is the time to begin helping your star football player get ready for the season and all that it will encompass. May this season be the best yet!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in The Woodlands, Tex.