Steps to Take Now to Be Ready for Preseason Training

If you want to be ready and in baseball shape for the start of preseason or any time during the season, you need to train hard. The following tips will help prepare your body for training and allow you to maximize your workouts.

Train with a Partner

Working out alone isn’t as effective as working out with someone who can spot you. Someone spotting you can keep track of your form and encourage you when needed. A partner can also push you harder than if working alone. Don’t pick only one person – select at least two people who are familiar with each other’s work ethic and style. This way, there is no conflict between them about what weight to use or how fast to go.

Use Proper Form

When doing an exercise, always maintain good form. Support your weight with your legs, not your back. Keep your core tight and lift with your hips. When lifting weights, do 8-10 reps to failure, which is the point at which you can no longer do another rep on your own.

Perform Cardiovascular Exercises

Cardio is vital for getting in shape for baseball season because of its role in increasing endurance and stamina. It will also help reduce body fat so that there are fewer pounds to carry around during practices or games. Start off slowly with 30 minutes of cardio three times a week, then work up to 60 minutes six times a week. Swimming or bike riding are both great choices because they don’t jar the joints but still get the heart rate up.

Focus on Flexibility

Baseball requires a lot of stretching and you need to be flexible before getting started in the sport. Start by warming up with some gentle stretches outside of your workout routine for about 10 minutes, then stretch after workouts that focus on specific muscle groups (e.g., hamstrings or shoulders) while the muscles are still warm. Do this two days per week for each targeted muscle group. A good way to ensure you’re doing this throughout the season is to make it part of your pre-game warmup routine.

Eat Right

What you eat will go a long way toward determining how successful your training program will be. Make sure your diet consists of lean protein like chicken, fish, and turkey, and complex carbs like oatmeal, brown rice, or whole grain breads. Eat some protein before your workout to give you energy without weighing you down.

Take Breaks

Training for baseball takes time, so know your limits. Don’t push yourself too hard because the end result will be burnout and little improvement in your game. If anything hurts, take a break until it doesn’t hurt anymore. You can always work out harder another day when the muscles are rested.

With these tips under your belt, you’ll be ready to hit the field with your team at full strength for preseason! For more tips, reach out to us here at Schaumburg Seminoles today!