Traveling to tournaments or league games is a great time to make memories with family and friends. You can try different foods and see new things. Below are a few things you can do to stay healthy while traveling, yet still enjoy yourself.
Light exercise tips to keep your body loose
During the airplane or car ride it’s helpful to pump your ankles, bend your knees and even do mini-crunches while sitting.
Your body gets tight when stuck in one position for long periods of time.
Pack your resistance bands or foam roller if you have room.
My GFTskills Pinterest board has good exercises, or you can read and watch video from this article on strength training – no equipment needed.
Go sight seeing
Once you get to the hotel, it’s a good idea to go on a 10-20 minute walk…
If the weather is bad, go to the hotel gym to slowly ride the stationary bike for 10 minutes.
Research and map out an interesting walking route (self-guided city tours are a great place to start) in your destination.
Search for the 10 best things to do in – whatever city you’re in. Or search for the best restaurants.
There are apps like AllTrails have many hikes for different levels worldwide and pictures so you can plan for optimal views.
Remember, you’re on a “business trip” to win some soccer games, so make sure you’re not walking too much.
Travel soccer tips while on the road
If you’re driving to your destination, make the journey part of the fun!
Instead of stopping at whatever you see first along the highway, plan stops ahead of time near interesting towns or sites.
If you have extra time, the family will be motivated to get out and explore instead of jumping right back in the car.
These pit stops help keep the body from getting stiff… Sitting in one position for long periods of time is not good for the body.
To burn off extra energy, lead the family in a few stretches or jumping jacks, take a quick walk, or jog around the car or building.
Healthy eating travel soccer tips
The impulse to survive on fast food and gas station snacks can be strong while traveling.
If you’re trying to make a few healthier choices along the way, bringing some of your snacks is a good idea.
5 great choices:
- Almonds are super healthy or choose other nuts
- Oranges
- Bananas
- Hard boiled eggs
- These chocolate, salty nut bars are amazing
If you always have some favorite healthy snacks, you may find it easier to stay full and avoid getting hangry:) which can result in impulsive choices, just like grocery shopping while hungry!
“Stretch all your muscles, not just the injured area.”
Taking care of new and old injuries
Soccer is a physical game…
Most of the players have some sort of injury, whether it be fresh or existing. Therefore, it’s vital that you take care of your body.
This might mean using the RICE method… [Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate]
Another thing is rehab… If it’s a lingering ankle injury you need to keep doing these strengthening exercises.
If it’s a fresh injury, make sure you RICE for 48 hours. Strengthening would come on the 3rd day.
The better you take care of your body, the less you’ll be plagued by injuries. Be disciplined in all you do.
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