Monday, April 28, 2008

Staying in Shape During the Baseball Season

Keeping sharp and fresh during the baseball season was a key to Ozzie Smith success.

The benefit of keeping your body fit includes avoiding nagging injuries and not hitting the mid-season lull.

Playing night games, doubleheaders and tournaments throughout the year can take a toll on your body. Incorporating an in-season weight lifting program for two – three times per week for 45 minutes can keep those nagging injuries and the mid season slumps in check and can help you achieve MVP status.

Top Five Benefits of In-Season Weight Lifting Program.

1. Weight training energizes you – Playing a 60-80 game schedule in the spring, summer and fall requires you to have some get- up- and- go.

2. Weight training makes you strong – Strength training will increase your power at the plate and improve your MPH on your fastball.

3. Weight training gives you confidence on the playing field – Working hard in the weight room will make the game easier to play on the diamond.

4. Weight training improves your balance and coordination – Makes you less prone to injuries such as lower back injuries.

5. Weight training tends to improves sleep patterns – You will need rest to play like a MVP.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

What To Eat During Tournament Play

Watching what you eat was very important during Ozzie Smith's playing days.

Playing in a tournament can be grueling on your body and your eating habits.

When you play hard your body gets hungry and you may want to grab something to eat between games, but eating a healthy meal can be a difficult task.

Try to avoid eating fast food or food from the concession stand. Instead, opt for fruit or energy bars.

My recommended energy bar called Prograde Cravers and is made by Prograde Nutrition.

Prograde Cravers are the perfect healthy snack for the Baseball Player during tournament play or when playing a doubleheader…

Just look at what advantages Cravers have over other so-called “nutrition” bars on the market:

- They are the best-tasting bars on the market: Bar-none (sorry, pun intended)

- Organic ingredients: No chemicals or artificial anything!

- The perfect snack size: Each bar is only 180 calories, so it’s a perfect sized snack to hold you over between games.

- Zero trans fats: Cravers have the healthy fats your body needs to keep your metabolism revving high.

- No preservatives or stabilizers: It’s all natural and 100% organic!

- 3 grams of healthy fiber: Keeps you feeling full for longer.

- Sustained energy: The perfect amount of complex carbohydrates for ongoing energy when you need it most.

For more info on Prograde Cravers go to https://lylejohnson.getprograde.com/store.php?top_menu=Athletic_Performance

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Cool Weather Playing Tips

Playing in the spring means playing in unpredictable weather conditions. Here are a few tips to warm up your game.

Wear less, but layer your clothing: During cool springtime weather, you’ll need less heavy clothing as long as you are moving briskly. Wear light layers, and wear a jacket or windbreaker to keep you warm during warm ups and while sitting in the dugout when your team is batting.

Proper clothing is a good investment: Invest in a few key garments, particularly the layer that is closest to your body and underneath your jersey. Be sure your first layer is made of one of the synthetic fabrics that wick away perspiration and let it evaporate, such as Underamour gear.

Warm yourself with proper stretching: Always warm up slowly before your game begins your and have a good stretch after you are done. You want to avoid injury so that you can play the entire year injury free. This is more important in the cool weahter than the heat, because hot weather helps you warm up naturally.