Being an athlete can sometimes be a full-time job. Athletes put a great deal of stress on their bodies so often that they need to know how to properly take care of themselves through preventative care and essentials that allow them to be at their finest.
Here is a list of 16 necessities that will help keep your body in top shape.
Essentials to help aid sore muscles
1. Massage Gun
All athletes tend to get sore and tight muscles. Having your own massage gun allows you to treat yourself on your own time. Before or after games and practices, it will help you stay loose and ready to compete the next day.
2. Foam Roller
Even though you can always have access to a foam roller in your school's training room, having your own foam roller allows you to roll out on your own time and even multi-task when working on other stuff like homework.
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3. Hand-Held/ stick travel roller
Having a travel stick roller is an easy way to keep your body loose on the go. They can easily fit in your duffle or backpack for away trips and even everyday visits to the gym.
Access to ice packs at home gives you the advantage of recovering without having to constantly go to the trainers to get ice bags every day. You can ice at your convenience and even watch your favorite show while doing so. Ice packs help your body stay in top form.
If you tend to sweat a lot, cramp up, or your trainer always tells you to make sure you are drinking enough electrolytes, having electrolyte tablets on hand can be a lifesaver. Nuun Tablets allow you to stay hydrated enough to continue to perform at your best.
6. Icy Hot
Having an injury or extremely sore muscles is never fun. Icy Hot is a great product to use as a buffer for your injuries. It won't completely cure the pain of a sprained ankle or hamstring, but it will provide relief to troublesome areas. It is quick and easy and comes in creams, patches, and roll-ons that can fit in your backpack
7. Epsom Salt
Taking a bath, in general, can help achy muscles. If you want to add an extra bit of love and care to your recovery routine add some Epsom Salt. The salt can help you feel more relaxed while loosening stiff joints and achy muscles.
Essentials to energize the body
If you struggle with keeping the same energy throughout your games or tournaments, Gatorade chews are easily accessible. You can quickly pop a chew in your mouth when subbed out or during halftime to gain some extra momentum.
9. Protein Bars
You can receive protein through numerous foods, however, sometimes you need something quick to eat when you are on travel days or right after practice, on the way to class. Protein bars are a great snack to have stocked in your home to provide you with protein to keep you going throughout the day. Some great brands to know are Nature Valley, RX Bars, Cliff, KIND, and QuestBar.
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10. Liquid IV
With a selection of different flavors and benefits, Liquid IV has an assortment of products that help you feel more hydrated, energized, and rested after an exhausting practice or match. They are easy and portable and can be packed in your backpack.
The brand Honey Stingers offers an assortment of products like organic waffle snacks, energy gel, performance chews, hydration mixes, and whey-based protein bars to help you compete at your best.
Essentials to Strengthen the Body
12. Resistance bands
If COVID has taught us anything, it's how important it is to have our own workout equipment. If you're unable to buy free weights for your at-home gym, resistance bands are the way to go. They provide a good weight resistance for lower body and upper body exercises.
13. Ladder
Ever want to increase your speed, agility, and endurance by yourself? Speed ladders help athletes improve their tangible qualities and skills from the comfort of their own homes.
If you want to gain upper body strength, an attachable pull-up bar is the way to go. You can easily attach it to the top of your door and do pull-ups, chin-ups, and hanging knee-ups. You can even lay it on the floor and use it for push-up variations.
Every athlete can benefit from some resistance training. A running parachute allows you to work on your speed and endurance by providing wind resistance to strengthen your body. No need to have someone with you, the parachute provides all the assistance you need.
16. Smart Watch
Whether it's from Fitbit, Apple, or Garmin, an exercise watch will help you keep track of your everyday fitness and exercise. You can use smartwatches to create goals and challenge yourself to become the athlete you always wanted to be.
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* Originally published on June 7, 2022, by Daesha Harper
