With school in full swing here in Georgia, it’s also back-to-sports season (how is it September already?! 🤔). It’s been a minute since summer vacation started, and it’s already time to get myself and my sons back into our sports rhythm.

I’m going to be real here: my kids’ summer mode was dotted with pickup sports with friends and neighborhood kids, but their level of athletic activity now is about half of what it was before summer started. 🤷🏾‍♀️ And you know what? That’s totally normal. Research by The American Academy of Pediatrics actually recommends taking a break from sports to prevent burnout among youth athletes.

Our bodies are like bicycles that haven’t seen the light of day all summer. To get back on track, they need a little oil, some gentle pedaling, and time to get those gears moving smoothly again. Kids and young athletes typically take about six weeks to get back to full activities.

Game Changers: Tips for Safely Returning to Sports

Dynamic Warm-Ups

Simply performing static stretches prior to exercise doesn’t help you one bit. In fact, it can hurt athletic performance. So if your young athletes are still doing static stretching before your workout, practice or game--change it up. Start with dynamic warm-ups which involves stretching through a range of motions and basically lubricating your joints.

Stretching It Out 🧘🏼

Stretching correctly and at the right time is important, especially as we get back into sports. Yoga is great for increasing flexibility and preventing injuries. Yoga involves isometric strengthening, where you contract your muscles without changing their length or moving a joint. This helps build strength and stability in specific muscle groups.

Post-Exercise Stretching 🏃🏽

Research shows that stretching after exercise is particularly effective as opposed to before. Make sure your kids take a few minutes to stretch after any physical activity.

Gradual Progress 📈

Kids need time to get back into shape after a break. We're taking it slow, increasing activity levels bit by bit. As I mentioned, it takes an average of six weeks to get back to the rhythm. There's no rush – it's all about steady progress.

Pay Attention to Pain 😢

If your child mentions they’re in pain, it’s important to listen. Don’t ignore it, thinking it will pass. Take a break if they’re hurting, let them rest, and then ease back into activity when they’re ready.

Remember, we’re all in this together 🤗. Whether your child is the next Simone Biles or just trying to make it through PE without tripping over their own feet, the goal is to get them moving, keep them safe, and hopefully, have some fun along the way.

So, how are you getting your kids ready for school sports? 💭 Any tips to share? Funny stories that'll make us all feel better about our own struggles? If you have a moment, shoot us an email. Your insights could help other families in our community.

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