The COVID-19 Pandemic has led to disruptions at every level – employment, economic viability and our education systems. With many schools around the country closing for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, our athletes have said goodbye to their athletic seasons and teammates early.
But as we all face this crisis together, there is still a need for high school athletes to stay connected. Not only do sports bring entertainment, but they bring kids and coaches together in a constructive and healthy environment. And in an effort to continue to do our part in connecting with our athletes and coaches, we are launching the Virtual Athletic Training Room!
Athletic Trainer, Pete Harder, is available from 8am – 4pm, Monday through Friday, to connect with athletes and coaches alike, and to provide guidance related to injury prevention, training programs or general athletic support.
A message from Pete Harder, ATC:
My goal as an athletic trainer is promote the wellbeing of all athletes. It is important to keep active and healthy and to start now to prepare to get back to the sports we love. Staying active is good for your body not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally. There is only so much tv and video games that can be played!
I encourage every athlete to take this time to work on themselves. The more you do during the off season, the more successful you will be during the IN-season. The work put in now helps you to become a better player, a better teammate and a better overall person.
Here are 5 things you can be doing this off season:
- Stay active! Find things you enjoy doing – working out outside, riding bikes, running, walking – anything that keeps your body moving and makes you feel happy!
- Eat your fruits and vegetables. Be mindful of following good nutrition guidelines. What is good for your body is also good for your mind.
- When you do train, don’t forget your warm-up and cool down. This is a key component to reduce injury risk.
- Work on your sport specific fundamentals. All sports have fundamental movements, many of which can be done without courts, gyms, or other equipment. Whether it’s running, jumping, changing direction, accelerating, decelerating, or body positioning, improving your fundamental technique will prepare you for a future season of moving faster, stronger or higher. Having good fundamental movement patterns also helps prevent aches, pains, and injuries.
- Most importantly – take care of yourself. If you feel isolated, frustrated, angry or any other emotion, reach out to myself, to your coaches and to your teammates. We are all facing this challenge together. We are here for you.
I miss seeing you on the field or court, doing what you enjoy and helping you through your athletic career. If you have any questions on what you can be doing this off season, please don’t hesitate to contact me! Even though school is out, we are still here for you.
Visit me in the Virtual Athletic Training Room.
Open: 8am – 4pm
Enter the training room here: https://doxy.me/arcpeterharder
Simply click the link to enter the training room. No appointment necessary. Just check in and I will connect with you.
I can also be reached through email and phone, should you have any other questions!
Cell: 515-965-1422
*The Virtual Athletic Training Room is available to student athletes and coaches in the Des Moines, Iowa metro area
