Pre-season workout advice

[Judtech]

As goofy and crazy as it sounds I am a big fan of using the Wii FIT as a training tool. There are a couple of other type 'games' as well that I have. Since you already use an elliptical which is great for cardio, the Wii helps with flexibility, strength and coordination. I have used it the past two knee surgeries and after my back surgery. It is suprising how much of a work out you can get with them. It really is a great supplemental training tool. The PT I go to is setting up about 4 of them to use with some of his patients.
I know it doesn't sound "macho" and all, but it IS effective.

[bainsey]

Originally Posted by Judtech

As goofy and crazy as it sounds I am a big fan of using the Wii FIT as a training tool.

I started using WiiFit some time ago, but now, I've been using it mostly as a scale and weight tracking device, while doing my actual exercise elsewhere. Which exercises do you find are best, Jud?

[Back In The Saddle]

Just my personal experience (I'm not a doctor, nurse, trainer, or even very bright)...

The elliptical is a good tool for maintaining cardiovascular fitness. But officiating requires than just cardio fitness. There is all the pounding our legs and joints take, and there is the stress on legs and joints from stops, starts, turns, etc. The elliptical won't train your body for those. Neither will swimming, or any other activity that doesn't work those muscles and joints in a manner similar to basketball.

I run to prepare for those stresses. So my advice, if you're physically okay to do so, take to the track, trail, or roads and add some real running into your workout. As with any fitness program, you need to ease into it. Your body needs time to adapt to the different physical stresses, as you found out. Take it pretty easy the first few times out; for most people, cardio fitness improves a lot faster than their muscles/joints adapt. Most running injuries are overuse injuries...especially in new, eager, motivated runners. So to reap the benefits in November, start slowly today and keep going consistently.

Check out the Runners World forums for lots of helpful advice about starting a program (couch 2 5K is a popular place to start), how often to run (forget what your HS coach said, running hard every day is not good), how quickly to add mileage (the general rule is no more than 10%/week), how to stay safe, how to stay motivated, and lots more.

Beyond that, as long as you don't have any actual injuries...Aleve/Advil/Tylenol is your friend. And the older you get, the better friends you're going to become. It sucks getting old.

Good luck!

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by Back In The Saddle

Aleve/Advil/Tylenol is your friend. And the older you get, the better friends you're going to become.It sucks getting old.

+1

Amen brother BITS.

[Judtech]

One side bar if you are going to be using the Tylenal etc. Make sure you know which are pain killers and which are anti inflamatories. (NOT to be confused with supositories!) I actually find the anti inflam's work best. Either way these pills can wreak havoc on your stomach lining and cause ulcers or worse. I suggested that if you do take them (as I do) you supplement them with a PPI. You can get them over the counter, Prilosec Prevacid etc or prescription Nexium, Aciphex etc. (I prefer Nexium) These will help keep the acid/Ph level in your stomach more neutral thus helping prevent ulcers etc.
(No I am not a doctor but I DID stay at a Holiday Inn Express once!)