The Villages - April 2022 - 30

STRETCH BEFORE & AFTER
We don't like to hear it, but it needs to be said -- you
need to stretch! Stretching for 30 seconds is one of the
key factors to preventing injuries in sports. Though
it may seem like a waste of time, consider these major
benefits before going to your first practice:
CHOOSE WISELY AND
WRAP IT UP
Bigger is not better when it comes to choosing
the right glove. You want to pick a glove that,
when put on, feels like a natural part of your body;
it shouldn't be too heavy. It should fit just right
and allow you to transfer the ball out of your glove
to your throwing hand. You also definitely want
to make sure your glove is broken in. In other
words, you want to get rid of the stiff feeling that
comes with any brand-new glove you buy. The
best way to get rid of this is by practicing as much
as you can with the glove, but there are some
other techniques that may help. Using lanolin
(commonly found in most shaving creams) has
proven to not just soften the leather in your glove,
but also protect it. There are several other products
that can also provide immense help such as
Vaseline, saddle soap and Glovolium. After you've
broken your glove down, you want to make sure
that you keep the glove in the same shape when
you're not playing. Leave a ball in your glove and
wrap several rubber bands around it.
BUY QUALITY CLEATS
We have all heard the saying, " Beauty is pain. "
But in softball, or sports in general, comfort is key.
You want to make sure you purchase cleats that
offer overall support and comfortability, especially
for your ankles and arches. If you have bad
ankles, consider buying high-top cleats.
30
APRIL 2022
* Stretching helps get your heart rate back to normal.
As hard as you work, your heart is working harder.
Softball, just like any sport or exercise, gets your blood
flowing, which brings several health benefits. One
thing you don't want to do, however, is overwork your
heart in the process. Stretching helps your heart return
back to a normal rate safely.
* Stretching helps reduce lactic acid. Whenever you
exercise, your body produces lactic acid (the chemical
responsible for making your muscles feel sore after
a workout). Stretching helps reduce the lactic acid in
your body, and it's great for relaxing your muscles.
* Stretching helps keep you flexible and limber.
Stretching before and after you exercise helps limit the
strain on your joints and muscles. This results in your
muscles staying flexible and toned while reducing
your chances of injury after a game or practice.
The Villages - April 2022

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