There is certainly a different feel around the club this preseason. We have 20 players less than 20 years of age which is great for the future and the intensity and excitement that they bring to training is infectious. The quicker that these guys can become senior players the better it will be but this takes plenty of hard work.
When doing your first pre-season you quickly find out that to play AFL you have to be quicker, stronger and fitter than you ever have been. To cope with the demands of the training, the boys are told about the importance of recovery, the benefits of eating a healthy diet and to learn more about their bodies.
One of the goals with most of the young players when they arrive is to put on muscle. I have received heaps of e-mails from other young people asking me how they can achieve the same and particularly about supplements. There is no secrets, to put on muscle requires lots of hours in the gym, a big increase in their food intake and in most cases supplements.
We are extremely lucky to have great sponsor in Musashi who supply us with the supplements that we need. The different supplements achieve different things. Some of the products available are;
Musashi Bulk Protein Food – taken with milk or water provides protein food that is easily digestible and suitable for individuals requiring extra protein.
Musashi Joint Support – capsule form, Glucosamine is useful in improving the symptoms of osteoarthritis, reducing joint pain, swelling and tenderness.
Musashi HMB – capsules may reduce muscle breakdown, designed to enhance training and perform at peak levels.
Musashi Muscle Recovery – capsules may help decrease muscle protein breakdown during heavy exercise.
Different players require more attention, our two young ruckmen Jonathan Giles and Hugh Minson would be looking at adding on 10 -15kg onto their frames, where a Nick Lower or Matt Thomas may only need 4-5kgs. All of the players’ requirements are designed by our fitness staff and monitored throughout the year.
EXERCISE TIP
Just because you are going away and do not have access to a gym it does not mean that your exercise has to suffer. Most weight exercises can be performed outside of a gym. For example: Step Ups – Park Bench, Bench Press – Push Ups with weight, Bicep Curls- bricks etc, Shoulder Press- Bricks, Squats- Broom Stick, Chin Ups- Monkey bars, Gym Classes – make up you own music and routine.
HEALTHY EATING TIP
Eat Breakfast!
- Breakfast is a great time to have your daily fibre in the form of cereals.
- It allows you to work more efficiently with a full stomach.
- It reduces the need for a BAD morning snack option on the go.
The fitter you are the longer and louder you can scream “Go Power”.
mahns
