Tuesday, April 16, 2013

More Ravens Tidbits

59-year-old man doing the splits.  No big deal, just chilling while I check my phone.  

At this point you're probably beginning to think that I'm a Ravens fan, being that this is the third blog where I've referenced them.  I can assure you that's not the case, but that doesn't change the fact the I received an e-mail from Roger Erickson, the stretching guru that the team hired this past year.  He saw the post I wrote after the Super Bowl, and he showed me a link to an article that was written about him and his work with the Ravens: http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/Ravens-Recover-With-Stretching-Guru/34b40486-d69f-4646-a6fe-fbe3a40b8ac0

To quote the article, "who wouldn’t listen to a 270-pound man who can lift his leg over his head?"  Erickson has helped many clients extend their careers and enjoy life with less pain from stiff muscles and joints.  His main job with the Ravens is to prepare their bodies the day before a game and to help them recover the day after a game.

Wrestling and Football are two very different sports, but many principles cross over.  Both are very physically demanding, and recovery is a key aspect.  This past weekend I worked out with Cleveland State's team at their open mats, and it was certainly the toughest practice I've done since college.  I'm very excited to get back on the mat and get back into fighting shape, but I made a huge error in not stretching out afterwards.  Exhausted, I slumped into my car and drove home.  Forty-five minutes later I arrived at my apartment, my muscles undoubtedly no longer warm, so a stretch wouldn't have been as effective then.  I told myself that I was going to stretch later, but I just never got around to it.  I paid the price, and I was a lot sorer than I would've liked yesterday.

Based on this weekend's experience and others from the past, I'm sure that I would've felt a heck of a lot better if I'd stayed just a short while longer and stretched.  Instead of making excuses or putting it off, stick around after practice and get your recovery in.  You'll thank yourself later.

You'll thank me later,
Jeff

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