Training camps are a stressful time of year for both coaches and players. The athletes are exposed to an abrupt increase in training loads that may put them at risk of overtraining or injury. Therefore, it is critical that coaches manage loads and monitor players to prevent this from occurring. A known symptom of overtraining …
The use of cold water immersion after exercise training is a common practice by athletes and is often condoned and encouraged by both the coaching and sports medicine staff. Some believe that cold tubs enhance recovery by reducing muscle soreness and thus may serve to more quickly restore performance capabilities compared to passive rest. This …
Monitoring fatigue in athletes enables coaches to make appropriate alterations in training load prescription to facilitate sufficient recovery between training sessions. This is especially important during the in-season when full recovery is desired leading up to competitions. Recovered athletes will better be able to express their fitness and perform skills during matches in addition to …
Monitoring resting heart rate to assess fatigue levels and physiological adaptation to training is not a new concept. When taken first thing in the morning after waking, heart rate values can be compared to baseline. Increases in resting heart rate from baseline generally reflect an increase in fatigue or physical stress, indicating that the athlete …
With many sports teams, the emphasis on training and conditioning far exceeds the importance placed on recovery. Most educated coaches however, are aware that positive physical adaptations take place only when sufficient rest and recovery ate attained. Few coaches outside of elite sport levels prescribe recovery modalities apart from perhaps some active recovery thrown in …
Various modalities exist that are used to enhance recovery and restoration from the physical stressors brought on by training and competition. Some common passive recovery techniques include cryotherapy, cold water immersion, contrast baths or showers, sauna, massage, compression garments, electromyostimulation, and so forth. Active recovery modalities can involve foam rolling, moderate to low intensity aerobic …
The two primary reasons why we want our athletes to take part in strength and conditioning training is to; Limit injury potential Increase performance A lesser known or discussed benefit of strength and conditioning training may be its positive impact on recovery following competition. When comparing athletes with a higher level of strength and …
Cold water immersion is a recovery modality often used by athletes in hopes of reducing the delayed onset muscles soreness brought on from strenuous exercise. It’s not uncommon to see entire teams taking ice baths following grueling practices throughout pre-season training camps. However, if you take a look at much of the research, the benefits …
Perhaps one of the most difficult issues for coaches to deal with is the life our athletes live outside of their sport. On their own time, we have little control or influence over what they experience or do. In planning training, we provide time for rest and recovery based on established guidelines. However, in the …
It is not uncommon for athletes at the high school, collegiate and professional levels to engage in post-competition socializing. This can be a great way for athletes to unwind and enjoy being among their peers. Unfortunately, these events frequently involve excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. Though there are numerous health and legal risks involved when …