three things i wish i did as a college athlete
By: Elise Caira, Co-Owner FIXXED Studios
Being a college athlete, or even a high school athlete nowadays, puts a tremendous amount of stress on your body. The demands on young athletes have increased exponentially with the rise of elite leagues and travel teams, leaving little to no rest time. If you’re fortunate enough to play in college, the intensity only amplifies tenfold.
I worked my butt off and was fortunate enough to earn a full ride to Bentley University to play basketball. However, during my time there, I witnessed numerous teammates succumb to injuries, and personally, I tore both ACLs and experienced stress fractures in both of my legs. Looking back, I often wonder what I would do differently and what advice I would give to current high school and college athletes.
Through my involvement with opening FIXXED, I’ve gained valuable insights into the tools available to young athletes today. It has become clear to me how crucial it is for them to take advantage of these resources, not only to enhance their athletic performance but also to maintain their health throughout the season.
Elise Caira, Bentley University Falcons, 2007-2011
With that in mind, here are three things I wish I knew as a college athlete:
1. Don’t ignore pain and hope it will disappear—address it before it escalates. I made the mistake of running on a leg that, as later revealed by a doctor, could have snapped at any moment. It was something so minor, that if I had just got it checked out it wouldn’t have turned into the full blown stress fracture it became-which sidelined me for half the season.
So when something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait! Often, nagging injuries can be traced back to their source. By identifying and addressing the root cause, you can expedite your recovery and get back to playing. At FIXXED, we specialize in pinpointing the underlying problems and helping you reset your muscles and retrain your movement to prevent future issues. You want to make sure you are proactive with what is going on and seen by someone who ALSO wants to be proactive in your recovery.
Assisted stretching of the hamstrings
2. Stretching and mobility are just as important as practicing your jump shot. The ability to move efficiently is HUGE. We frequently see athletes with injuries stemming from tight muscles, which can cause problems in other areas of the body. Incorporate regular stretching into your daily routine, either through self-stretching or with the assistance of a professional. Even dedicating just 10 minutes to a mobility series before hitting the court can save you plenty of time in the athletic trainer’s room.
At Fixxed we believe in the benefits that stretching can have, paired with a solid strength training program and that’s why we have 3 different membership options as well as session packs to choose from. Interested in setting up your first stretch? Book it now for only $49! Our stretches are customized to fit your needs and we’ll send you off with plenty of exercises you can do in the comfort of your own home to keep up your maintenance.
3. Rest days are not only acceptable but necessary. Give your body the break it deserves. Nowadays, young athletes often engage in multiple sports within a single session, which can wear them down physically. It’s essential to prioritize rest and optimize your recovery during these periods. Utilize techniques like assisted stretching and normatec boots to expedite the recovery process.
NormaTec Recovery boots are a form of dynamic air compression to help reduce muscle soreness, and enhance recovery!
You can book our Normatec Boots 7 days a week. It’s a great was to enhance your rest day and give your legs the love they deserve on an off day. As a former college athlete, I have learned the importance of proactively addressing injuries, prioritizing stretching and mobility, and allowing your body to rest. Embracing these practices will not only enhance your athletic performance but also contribute to your long-term well-being. Take advantage of the resources available to you, and remember that investing in your body today will pay dividends in the future.
If you have any questions about how FIXXED can help you or your children we’d love for you to set up a free consult with us in one of our two studios, Wakefield or Haverhill.
Fixxed is a first of its kind recovery studio offering bodywork techniques to help you move and feel your best. We offer quick and effective hands-on services in a one on one setting performed by a licensed physical therapist or athletic trainer. Click HERE to book a free consultation with FIXXED!
