Do you know the most common cause of low back pain in junior cricketers? 

Bowling too much is not the biggest injury risk to young bowlers, bowling too much, too soon is. 

A high proportion of young cricketers have lower back pain that is due to a bone stress injury, which in the early stages can be a bruise to the bone, but if not managed correctly can develop into a stress fracture. Bone in the lower back does not mature until our early 20s which means that it can be more susceptible to injury as an adolescent that it is when we are adults. While the term stress fracture can seem alarming they are rarely serious but it does mean several months out of playing sport.

➡ Are you taking part in RED january or generally just trying to increase your activity at the start of the New Year? ⛷ 🚴 🏊‍♂️ 🏋️‍♀️ 🧘‍♀️?

➡ Do you know how important sleep is to your recovery and ability to improve?

Research has shown that people who reported a psychological/ lifestyle complaint (such as anxiety) had a 32% increase in risk of new injury in the following week

Do you know how alcohol can impact healing?

Alcohol can have complex long and short term effects on the healing process, depending on various factors such as the type & severity of the injury, the amount of alcohol consumed, and the individual’s overall health.

**Delayed wound healing:**Moderate alcohol consumption may have some cardiovascular benefits. Excessive drinking can interfere with the normal inflammatory response, delaying the formation of blood clots which are crucial for stopping bleeding and initiating the healing process, and reducing the production of growth factors essential for tissue repair. 

Decided to overhaul your health & fitness regime ?

🔺Assess your current fitness level. Consider working with a Physiotherapist especially if you have pre-existing injuries or are new to exercise to ensure a safe and effective fitness journey.

🔺Set Realistic short-term and long-term fitness goals to help maintain motivation & reduce the risk of overtraining.

🔺Start Slow. Allow your body to adapt gradually & prevent excessive stress on muscles, joints, & connective tissues. Incorporate a mix of aerobic 🏃🏼, strength 🏋🏻‍♂️, and flexibility 🧘🏼‍♀️exercises to promote overall fitness.

Ski Fit Exercises for a Stronger, Safer Slope Experience

⛷️ Skiing and snowboarding🏂 are thrilling winter sports that demands a combination of strength, endurance, and balance. 

Like a marathon skiing and snowboarding need training and preparation. 

To enhance your performance on the slopes and reduce the risk of injuries, incorporating ski-specific exercises into your fitness routine at least 6 weeks before departure is crucial. 

Below is a set of ski fit exercises designed to target key muscle groups and improve overall agility.