Getting Back In The Game

I have been playing soccer ever since I could remember. When I was younger, I would just jump in and play. No warmup or cool down was needed and I never felt sore. I would play lengthy matches and could get back on the grind the very next day.

As I got older, things changed drastically. I would get nagging injuries here and there. I was upset because I couldn't move the way I used to. I would want to move a certain way and my thought process was still sharp and quick, however I couldn't get my legs to move fast enough. I lost my speed and agility. On top of that, I could only play 2 games a week.

Due to all of this, I had to change my strategy and approach to the sport I loved. Now granted, I am no professional player, but I did partake in competitive leagues and still loved and chased competition. I didn't want to accept the fact that I am just going to gradually get worse. I always seek improvement in all aspects of my life.

I had added stretching and making sure I cool down after to ensure that I wouldn't be as sore after games. However, due to the years of playing and never truly recovering from nagging injuries, I hurt myself again by tearing my lateral meniscus. This was the final straw. I ended going to the doctor and we went over a few a scenario on how to rehab and come back from this hurdle. I ended up getting PRP done for my leg to help speed up my recovery. I enlisted in hot yoga classes to improve my flexibility as well as strengthening the other areas around my knee to get some of my mobility back. I focused on my IT band and glute area as well.

My friend had a similar injury so we had teamed up by working out with each other and tailoring a workout that would benefit our injuries as well as getting an overall full body workout. Due to my torn lateral meniscus I had gained some weight, so the workout was mainly focused on cardio.

Our workout plan consists of 2 miles of cardio warm up. We typically finish this in 18mins. After the warmup, we grab a bosu ball and go to the track. We each take turns running a lap while the other does various workouts using the bosu.

Example:

1) One person runs a lap while the other does lunges.

2) One person runs a lap while the other does squats.

3) One person runs a lap while the other holds a squat.

3) One person runs a lap while the other planks.

4) One person runs a lap while the other does push-ups.

5) One person runs a lap while the other does sit ups

6) One person runs a lap while the other does boat pose.

7) One person runs a lap while the other does mountain climbers

10) One person runs a lap while the other does side lunges.

I truly feel much better adding this regime to my life. I will be continuing this and eventually jumping back into soccer once I feel 100%. As of now I feel much better and feel like I am on track.