Vick Injured and You

Earlier in the year, Michael Vick of the Philadelphia eagles suffered a hamstring injury. Don't worry. He will play this Sunday versus the New York Giants. However, his injury (see: Vick injured) makes me think - how close does his strength and conditioning program resemble the amount of running he does every Sunday and in practice?

The Eagles have one of the most active offenses in the National Football League (NFL) this season. Michael Vick is no stranger to running all over the field, especially when he is being blitzed. Prior to his injury, Vick lead all NFL quarterbacks in rushing with 307 yards. A hammie (hamstring) injury occurs very often in football. But, they are avoidable with proper rest, warm-up, training, heat, and cold therapies.

Like Vick's injury, it is important for anyone to tailor his/her regimen to the intensity of activity:

Scenario: Fall Season Running, Bicycling, and Hiking.

1) Train to run. Train to bike. Train to hike. After a warm summer, you may not want to get outdoors as much. However, fall excites too much activity.

2) Gather the Family. The weekends are good times to do activities with the family. Does everyone have a bike? Just bundle up, and you will be fine.

Mode and Type: Favorite Fall Exercises

1) Climbing - it involves climbing tress during apple picking or even rock climbing. What does climbing do? It works your balance, legs, and especially your arms. Sculpt your shoulders, back, and biceps. Who needs to go high, when you can rock climb indoors. You can train for climbing in the comfort of your own living room with various push-ups and floor core routines. You may need to reserve the pulling for the backyard or stair and door overhangs.

2) Sprints - why do these? Because everyone else is still running distance, especially as the beginning of the marathon season commenced with the Chicago Marathon earlier this month. Plus, sprints (at the least, 40 meters), do rev up your heart rate faster.

Purpose and Development,
Derek

Derek Arledge, CSCS        www.teempt.com         TEEM Performance Training