Exercise Routine

[MikeK27]

Since I am new and won't start officiating any games until next year, I thought this is a good time to get into better shape and get prepared for next season. So I was curious, what are some of your workout routines? I will be running more over the summer and can stand to drop a few pounds, but before I started a plan I wanted to see what everyone else did too.

[fullor30]

Originally Posted by MikeK27

Since I am new and won't start officiating any games until next year, I thought this is a good time to get into better shape and get prepared for next season. So I was curious, what are some of your workout routines? I will be running more over the summer and can stand to drop a few pounds, but before I started a plan I wanted to see what everyone else did too.

I do triathlons.............steam, shower, shave.

[MikeK27]

Originally Posted by fullor30

I do triathlons.............steam, shower, shave.

I will have to write that one down to keep the order straight.

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by fullor30

I do triathlons.............steam, shower, shave.

Real officials do pentathlons. .....steam, shower, shampoo, sh!t, shave.....

[Mark Padgett]

I limber up my arms to get them in shape for calling technicals by continuously popping meds into my mouth. Gotta tell ya', my elbow muscles are now world class.

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

Gotta tell ya', my elbow muscles are now world class.

Me too....

[MikeK27]

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

Me too....

Now that is a good workout.

[JHamp]

I would seriously consider building up the muscles around your knees if you plan on working many games. The daily grind on the knees can be pretty brutal for a first year ref. Not all the surfaces you'll referee on will be the kindest on the body.

[MikeK27]

Originally Posted by JHamp

I would seriously consider building up the muscles around your knees if you plan on working many games. The daily grind on the knees can be pretty brutal for a first year ref. Not all the surfaces you'll referee on will be the kindest on the body.

Thanks for the advice, I wanted to gear things toward the legs and stamina. Maybe some outdoor running can help to build up the knees somewhat.

[fullor30]

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

Real officials do pentathlons. .....steam, shower, shampoo, sh!t, shave.....

What the hey.............throw a sauna in there too.

[socalreff]

Originally Posted by MikeK27

Since I am new and won't start officiating any games until next year, I thought this is a good time to get into better shape and get prepared for next season. So I was curious, what are some of your workout routines? I will be running more over the summer and can stand to drop a few pounds, but before I started a plan I wanted to see what everyone else did too.

There was a really good workout routine posted in the latest referee magazine by an NBA official, including sprint work, cardio and resistance training.

[MikeK27]

Originally Posted by socalreff

There was a really good workout routine posted in the latest referee magazine by an NBA official, including sprint work, cardio and resistance training.

I will have to check that out. I used to work out pretty religiously a few years ago, but have slacked off, so I need to get back in the routine.

[jdw3018]

There's a lot of good advice in this thread, but I'll just add what I'm doing this year.

The biggest thing in my limited experience is that while we're never going to be asked to run a 5 mile race, endurance is critical to what we do. So doing some endurance training during the off-season is important, IMO, and frankly easier (at least for me) to do. 3-5 miles per day 5 days a week (doesn't have to be road running or treadmill, can also gain the benefit through elliptical machine or other cardio-heavy workouts) does the trick for me.

Distance work (3-5 mile/day range) also helps develop very good strength in your legs to support your joints, as long as you don't have issues with impact. Some sort of weight training is absolutely critical as well. I lift 2-3 times per week pretty hard. (I lift like this during the season as well, but use my games as my cardio workouts with just really light, low-impact work on off-days mainly to loosen up and keep my joint pain at a minimum.)

If you really want to take it to anther level after getting to a good level of fitness, doing speed work and working on your running form will make you much more effective at getting in the proper position, especially in transition, and just make you look better on the court. This is what I want to focus on hard going into camp season this summer and then as the season approaches next fall.

[MikeK27]

Thanks for the advice jdw3018. I think a good combination of sprints and distance throughout the week will help out. I would like to get back in the gym, so I will have to look into getting a membership. I used to work out in the facility they provided at my last job, now I really miss it.

[IREFU2]

I usually work out 3 times a week before the season and do a lot of running. I lift weights, just to build upper body strength.....