March marks the beginning of a range of brilliant things. We're talking everything from Autumn to Easter and, last but not least, the AFL Premiership Season. There's also no doubt that you've sat back and admired the athleticism of your favourite footy players, so we've listed our favourite ways to help you kick your goals - on and off the field.
1. Create a sturdy workout routine
Like Rome, footy players' physiques aren't built in a day, so it's important to have a well-planned workout routine to follow and keep you on track. You can create this by enlisting the help of a personal trainer who will give you the guidance and accountability you need to achieve your goals. It's also important to note that all great footy players' workout routines feature a healthy dose of cardio, strength, power, agility, and endurance training. Plus, they spend a fair bit of time outside kicking the Sherrin, so enjoying the great outdoors and having some fun is an essential part of creating a workout routine you'll want to maintain until Grand final season (and beyond).
2. Prioritise rest + recovery
Think ice baths or morning dips at your local beach. We've all seen that footage of footy players getting out and about at their local beach, embracing the cold. There are a range of ways you can relax and unwind your body with some well-deserved R+R. If soaking in icy cold water isn't your jam, you can opt for something more comfortable. Like a sauna post your workout sesh or a decent sleep after you've hit the weights and plates area. Prioritising recovery will help you prevent injury and improve your performance in the gym and on the field. The beauty of R+R is that there are a variety of ways you can practise it.
Tip:
Create a breakdown of how you plan to practise R+R throughout the season. This can be a loose itinerary or a round-by-round (play-by-play) list of everything you plan to do. The choice is yours!
3. Fuel your body
It's well-known that many successful footy players enjoy a generous bowl of pasta the night before a game. The carbohydrates in this meal are guaranteed to fuel them with the energy they need to physically and metaphorically hit the mark. We recommend selecting a meal you love that makes you feel ready to perform, and factoring that into your week. Consider working with a nutritionist to help find the right combination of carbs, fats and protein for your body. Keeping your routine flexible will ensure that you don't get tired of it, which can ultimately lead to you dropping the (foot)ball. The key to being disciplined is eating well, moving your body, enjoying a rest day and a cheeky treat every now and then.
4. Enjoy a good night's sleep
Having a great night's sleep is a great way to prepare to kick your goals. It's recommended that the average adult has at least 7 hours of sleep per night. So, dedicating time to this essential form of goal-kicking preparation is an absolute must. Interestingly, a 2014 study found that insufficient sleep can increase the occurrence of musculoskeletal injuries in athletes. This research also recorded that adolescent athletes who slept less than 8 hours per night had a 1.7 increase in the risk of injury. So, the results don't lie. Getting an extra hour or two is never a bad idea.
5. Don't forget to hydrate
Footy players can run for up to 12-14km per game, so water is a must to keep them going. Staying hydrated isn't just important for physical activity, it's also essential for cognitive function so you can be at the top of your footy tipping game.
6. Gear up
We're big believers in dressing for success. Whether that's while you're watching the game on the big screen, at the footy stadium or prepping for a game on the gym floor. Wearing clothes that look as good as you feel is an important part of getting match fit. We strongly recommend wearing a comfortable OOTD to motivate you to get into the gym and complete your workout routine. This could even include selecting a lucky charm, like many players who believe in a lucky pair of socks or underwear. All that matters is that you feel good + supported.
We hope 1) you're feeling ready to face the season ahead and 2) your footy team gets to raise the Premiership cup this September.