What NOT To Do During The Off-Season

The off-season is a much-needed time for rest for many athletes, but it’s also a crucial time to set yourself up for the next season. At Island Sports Physical Therapy, our team is here to help athletes stay in top shape during the off-season and achieve optimal performance when they return to their sport. If you’re interested in learning more about what you should not do during the off-season, continue reading below. 

Playing your sport all year round can be demanding on your body. Unfortunately, this rigorous activity can lead to overuse injuries and burnout. The off-season is crucial for athletes to let their bodies and minds recharge after an intense season. While you should be taking this time to get some much-needed rest, it’s important not to lose focus on your goals. Here are some common off-season mistakes athletes make:

• Overtraining – The early off-season is the perfect time to rest. But after taking a few weeks off, it’s essential to get back into some kind of training routine. Many athletes push themselves too hard in the off-season, which can cause them to get hurt and compromise their performance for the next season. If you find that you are constantly sore or getting hurt, it may be a good idea to take a step back. Our team can help you find an effective routine to keep in shape without compromising your performance. 
• Ignoring Cardio Exercise – Cardio is an integral part of any athlete’s workout routine. Depending on your sport, you may find yourself doing more cardio than others. If your sport is more strength-focused, do not ignore aerobic exercise. Keep up with your aerobic exercise to maintain your endurance and energy levels throughout the off-season. 
• Eating Poorly – While the off-season is a time to relax on any strict dieting, it’s crucial to maintain good nutritional habits during this time to stay healthy and help your body recover properly. 

What You Should Do During The Off-Season

Now that we’ve discussed some common mistakes to avoid, our team would like to share some things you should do during your off-season. This downtime period is ideal for building muscle, improving your mobility, and improving your technique to become a better, well-rounded athlete. At Island Sports Physical Therapy, we offer physical therapy to help athletes achieve their goals during any season. Some of the best ways you can train during this time may include:

• Strength Training.
• Cardiovascular Exercise.
• Flexibility Training.
• Cross-training.
• Circuit Training.
• Resistance Training.

When you finally get a break from the demanding training during the season, the off-season is a perfect time just to have fun. While it’s important to keep your body in good condition, take this time to do things you might not get to do often during the season. Enjoy your downtime and spending time with friends and family, and enjoy planning for the following year. 

When you get back into training, our team at Island Sports Physical Therapy will be right there to help you along the way. Our team understands that every sport has its own unique requirements. Our sports-specific therapy will be focused on your personalized needs. No matter which sport you compete in, we will work with you to design a plan to facilitate the growth of strength and skills necessary for you to become a better athlete overall. 

Contact Island Sports Physical Therapy

At Island Sports Physical Therapy, we understand that sports can be physically and mentally demanding. Our team will educate you on how to stay in peak shape all year round and provide you with quality care should you become injured. To learn more about how you can play your best year-round, contact our office today!