[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zRiYqIDYY0[/youtube]

Above, Dick Hartzell stretching hamstrings with his Jump Stretch Bands.

ALL Athletes should get a heavy jump stretch band and perform 10-15 minutes of daily stretching. This is a BIG component of your training and many who complain of tight hips or lower back stiffness are the same athletes who do NOT stretch at home.

REMEMBER: You MUST be a self thinker and self doer. Do work on your OWN, that is the mark of a successful athlete and overall, a successful person.

Get your jump stretch bands on Amazon HERE.

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4 Strategies to Stay Mobile During The School Year

By: Andrew Wary

Tight backs and hips, aching knees, these are things that should not plague the high school athlete, but they do. There are many things to blame such as sitting in school, busses to and from games/matches, playing video games etc. No matter the reason and or excuse there are some simple fixes that you can employ throughout the day to save yourselves from aches and tightness.

1. Posture is everything. Not only will it keep your body aligned properly, a good posture will exude confidence. Whether sitting or standing, your posture will aid you or destroy you. Here’s a checklist to keep yourself proper:
   1. Chest up
   2. Shoulders back
   3. Chin up
   4. Hips positioned even from side to side
2. Stretching, to an extent, will help undo the havoc that being cramped in a desk, car, or chair all day causes.  Yoga is tremendous for student athletes. Now I am not saying to go to a hot yoga studio with a bunch of 30 year old women, instead save your money and YouTube search hip opening yoga, it’s free and it’s like magic for your back and lower body. If you do not have confidence to perform yoga here is a list of stretches to focus on. Perform these 30 seconds at a time, 2-3 times a day:
   1. Couch Stretch
   2. Pidgeon Pose
   3. Cobra
   4. Elevated Hamstring Stretch
3. Release techniques such as foam rolling should be used. Doing this will help to ensure less ‘tight’ muscles along with aiding warming up and recovering from intense workouts. Roller techniques should be taught by your coaches, and if they have not, make sure to ask and we will teach you!

   [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5NKZJDLuo4[/youtube]

4. Movement is obviously important to staying mobile. During off days from practice and training, you should still be moving. Moving doesn’t have to be anything crazy strenuous, simple things like walking outside, hiking, a bike ride, or a pickup game of football will suffice. Moving more when possible instead of sitting around will help with chronic mobility issues and general muscle tightness.

Student athletes must realize that in order to be the best, they have to do what it takes to be the best. This includes staying mobile and uninjured.

Take advantage of these 4 strategies to keep your body ready for anything during the school year.

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