As the summer rolls around, your child may want to get involved in sports. Summertime sports are a great way for your child to remain physically active, as well as learn the skills of collaborating with teammates in real time.
Before you get your child involved in summertime sports, however, it’s important to take the right steps in getting them ready for such. Knowing exactly what they want to play and preparing them with the appropriate equipment is imperative as they gear up for months of enduring athletic activity.
Ensuring Proper Nutrition
Establishing proper nutrition habits in your child is imperative to a successful athletic summer. While we all may enjoy a good hamburger or chicken nugget from time to time, cutting out fast food and replacing them with nutritious meals will supplement your child with the proper energy for their sport of choice.
Eliminating fast food doesn’t mean getting rid of great tasting meals, though! You can still prepare delicious meals with simple ingredients from your local grocery store. Start with some protein like lean chicken breast, turkey, or egg whites to ensure your child’s muscles stay repaired before and after sport time. Seasoning your protein can add additional, robust flavoring. Opt for low-sodium seasonings.
Incorporating carbs such as rice, pasta (which makes for an incredible energy booster before any summertime sport), or sweet potatoes will ensure that your child has the right amount of energy to carry them through the game. Add in some fresh fruits or vegetables on the side to round out your child’s meal.
Of course, avoid sugary foods and snacks!
Staying Hydrated
Making sure your child is drinking plenty of water is crucial to keeping them safe while playing summertime sports. With the summer heat, your child will surely be sweating plenty, so make sure to pack a few water bottles for them so they stay hydrated!
Cutting out soda and sugary drinks will prove immensely beneficial to your child, as sugar can make your child lethargic after a long period of time. Water, on the other hand, has a number of health benefits — including eliminating fatigue, improving physical performance, and keeping your brain in tip-top shape.
Opting from 4-8 cups of water a day is a good starting point for your child. Depending on how active they are, though, their water intake may need to be adjusted. Talk to your doctor to get an accurate judgment on how much water your child needs this summer.
Using the Right Gear
On top of the health benefits, you should assure that your child has the appropriate gear for their summertime sport of choice.
Whether it is the right soccer cleats or the most protective shoulder pads for your young football player, visiting your local sporting goods store and discussing with employees will help you make the most informed decision for your child. This way, you can ensure the utmost safety for your child on the field.
Pre-Season Training
Partaking in pre-season training will ensure that your child isn’t overwhelming with the physical aspects of summertime sports.
Having your child partake in sessions of running, swimming, or any other conditioning exercises related to their sport of choice up to three times a week will ensure their endurance is up to par. Training them a few weeks to a few months before the season will make sure they’re prepared for the rigors of sport. It’ll also make sure their muscles are appropriately prepared for sports and athletic activities, and will help prevent future injuries.
And don’t forget to make your child stretch!
Summertime Sports at LuHi
At LuHi, we offer numerous summertime sports that your child can partake in. From basketball to swimming to hockey, your child has many options to flex their athletic (and actual) muscles!
Through LuHi Country Day, your child has the opportunity to work with coaches in a variety of instructional and recreational athletic activities.To learn more about LuHi Country Day, as well as our numerous Athletic Specialty Programs, please visit our website and contact us today!
