With pre-season training for New Zealand's winter sports codes already underway, ACC is reminding players to take care their season isn't over before it's even begun.
While sportspeople will be keen to lace themselves back into their rugby boots or netball shoes, it's important they don't try to do too much too fast said ACC's injury prevention programme manager for sport, Joe Harawira.
"Even if you're an experienced player you need to take it easy when getting back into your sport,'' he said. "The right pre-season training programme gradually builds you up to give you a long and injury-free season. That's where ActiveSmart can help."
ActiveSmart, ACC's free fitness and nutrition website, will tailor-make programmes to each individual's needs. Whether pre-season, in-season or off-season, ActiveSmart will instantly make up a full and personalised programme. It includes detailed instructions with diagrams, photography and video to demonstrate techniques.
ActiveSmart is primarily focused on walking, running or cycling programmes, along with general fitness and health tips. However its sister sites, NetballSmart, SoccerSmart and RugbySmart, have programmes specific to these popular sports.
"We also have a new website in association with New Zealand Rugby League, called LeagueSmart. Hosted on the NZRL website, it gives players league-specific information about fitness, training, technique and protective gear," Mr Harawira said.
"What's also very important but is often over-looked is warming up and cooling down safely. Even top sportspeople sometimes neglect to do this properly and can end up with a nasty - and embarrassing - injury! Warming up prepares your body and your mind for the physical demands of the sport. Cooling down stretches the muscles you've used and assists in the removal of lactic acid.
"Good nutrition is also very important, so LeagueSmart has a section on the right food and drink. Depending on the conditions, players can lose several kilos of fluid during a game so it's critical they remain well-hydrated, with the right food onboard as fuel. Low energy levels are related to concentration lapses and the early onset of fatigue, which in turn increases the risk of injury," Joe Harawira said.
"LeagueSmart is a great tool for anyone thinking about taking up League or players wanting to get back into it, while ActiveSmart has something for everyone."
About ActiveSmart
ACC set up the website set up in April 2007 in association with the Ministry of Health, SPARC, Fitness New Zealand, the Heart Foundation and the Cancer Society. ActiveSmart includes nutritional advice, a five day weather forecast, email reminders, and a regional events calendar. It has more than 34,000 members.
For more on ActiveSmart and LeagueSmart go to www.activesmart.co.nz or www.nzrl.co.nz/page/leaguesmart.html
