In our last blog post, we outlined some ways for soccer players to stay active and continue training when winter weather forces them inside. If you don’t want to wait for spring soccer programs to start up, you can take those tips to stay active in the winter. However, that’s not all you can do. We have some more suggestions to help athletes stay active throughout the winter, no matter their sport. Our goal at The Edge Sports Center is to provide a place for athletes of all ages to reach their full potential and keep up with their training all year long.
Don’t wait for spring soccer programs and seasonal sports to start again! Here are three ways athletes can stay active throughout the winter.
Maintain Flexibility & Mobility
Maintaining flexibility and mobility is crucial for any athlete. In a sport like soccer, maintaining mobility along with stamina is crucial for running up and down the field. Increasing and maintaining flexibility is also important as it helps athletes protect themselves and recover quickly if they fall or collide with another player. Practicing yoga or pilates will help maintain flexibility and mobility. These disciplines focus on improving flexibility, balance, and core strength. Stretching before and after workouts also helps warm up and recover, preventing injuries.
Focus on Recovery & Injury Prevention
Stretching does a lot to prevent injuries and aid in recovery, but there are several other things athletes can do. For example, using a foam roller helps release muscle tightness, reduce soreness, and increase flexibility. Many athletes also find cold therapy—such as ice baths or contrast showers—beneficial to reduce inflammation and promote recovery. Additionally, proper nutrition and adequate hydration are essential for recovery, even for indoor training sessions.
Practice Tactical & Mental Training
As important as it is to keep your body in good shape, you can’t neglect your mind. Any sport requires mental agility to assess the situation and react accordingly. Your teammates are relying on you to make decisions quickly based on your past experience, prior planning, and judgment in the moment. Reviewing previous games and discussing potential scenarios helps keep your mind sharp and prepares you for upcoming matches.
Soccer Programs at The Edge Sports Center
Don’t slack off this winter! Keep training at The Edge Sports Center. Take advantage of our indoor turf rentals, strength and conditioning training, and much more to ensure you’re ready when soccer season returns.