How to Stay in Shape for Soccer
Soccer is a physically demanding sport, one that requires great endurance and strength. Whether you’re a professional soccer player or a member of an amateur team, keeping your body in shape is key to performing your best on the field. Staying in shape requires regular exercise and a healthy diet, but what you eat and how to move your body makes a big difference. Here’s a look at how to stay in shape for the game of soccer.
Stretch Your Body
Never underestimate the power of stretching. Professional soccer players must prepare their body for the demanding game, and a lot of the prep work starts with stretches. Stretching helps improve your flexibility and warm up your body for exercise. Learn the best stretches for your legs, hips, back, and groin. Stretch your ankles and legs.
Leg Exercises
After stretching, it’s time to work out the legs. Strong leg muscles are very important for soccer players, who depend on their legs for every part of the game. So what type of leg exercises should you do? One of the best exercises for your legs are squats and professional soccer players do them nearly every day. Squatting works out and strengthens leg muscles. Consider squatting one leg at a time for best results. But squatting alone won’t cut it. Other leg exercises ideal for soccer players include sprints, uphill running, and power jumps.
Eat the Right Foods
Although eating a healthy diet is important for soccer players, not all foods provide the right energy, nutrients, and vitamins. The game of soccer requires a great deal of energy, and soccer players must eat the right foods to stay energized throughout the entire game. Stick to a well-balanced diet of whole foods, including complex carbohydrates, and foods that are low in fats which will help increase your energy level and allow you to perform at your optimal level. Complex carbohydrates include whole grain rice, breads, pastas, and cereals. Fruits and vegetables are also important.
In addition to the right foods, it’s also important to stay hydrated for practice and games. Drink plenty of water and avoid sugar drinks.
Training Wear
But before you stretch or begin your workout, it’s important to dress for the part. Proper training wear will help you stay comfortable during workouts and allow you to perform your best. Start by wearing the right soccer clothing for a workout.