stretching before games

[Razor]

[From the BHD thread] newmp5user: "anways im really looking forward to this skirmish... it will be my first one! oh should i stretch before the game?"

It's a good idea, especially if you have joint or flexibility issues. While you may not plan on a lot of running in the game there will probably be times where you'll sprint or extend yourself and it would be a drag to pull something and be sitting in the staging area. In case you're unsure of what to do, if you do go down hard yell out and get some help coming off. No sense walking across a field on a possible broken ankle when there's plenty of people to lend a shoulder or hand.

[Maple]

Good point. Save those muscles and joints.

[Viper]

good post. Streching would be a good idea. Either that or we all need to get in better shape too. ;)

[Night Stalker]

yeah bud, I will second that. I used to stretch before games a long time ago. But through the years and my sheer laziness, I forgot about it. Might be a good idea to start again. Good thread!!!

[Professor]

BTW, I'm bringing a emergency medical kit which will include benedril for stings. Also, if I recall, SHOGUN is an EMT or qualifed as such and he is attending last I heard so we will have some ability to address some injuries on field.

BUT, as said above and before (worth repeating)...take care fo yourself before, during, and after the event -
1) Hydrate yourself beginning, at the minimum, on Friday if not before.

2) Bring and drink plenty of fluids, preferrably water, during the event.

3) Wear bugspray.

4) *** OBEY the NO-shoot rule within 10ft.

5) *** ALWAYS keep your goggles on while on the field.

6) If an injury occurs, inform a defined OC or team leader immediately. There will be a designated method to call a stop to play and address any emergency situation. The emergency notification will be three short blasts of an airhorn.

7) Magazines will remain OUT of your weapon while in the safe zone and until on the playing field.

8) I WILL eject players who do not operate in a safe fashion!
A) Treat your airsoft weapon as if it is loaded at ALL times.
B) Do NOT point your airsoft weapon at anyone you are not planning on shooting.
C) Be aware of any items behind or around where you are firing so as not to hit any unitentional targets.


MOST Importantly, please play in an honorable and safe manner. This is an honor SPORT and not real combat - use your head and take care of yourself and your fellow players. Lets have safe fun!

[knob]

I make stretching a big part of my "ritual." My problem is that i have too high of an arch in both of my feet..meaning i have to wear shoe inserts that position my feet in the correct spot for "perfect" weight distribution.. The problem is that because i have this foot problem, My calves are always tense, meaning i am prone to have cramps in my calves and the rest of my legs.. Basicaly, before each game, at least
24-48 hours before i make sure i drink at least 1.5-2 gallons of water before hand.

[Timmay]

NEVER stretch a cold muscle. Unless you want to pull it, or run the risk of lactic acid building up in pockets later after you run and use them a lot, then it becomes sore like you "used it too hard." Sore for a day or two im talking.
All you had to do is stretch.

Try this.....Walk around, or run in place in the staging area. Then stretch.
you may look stupid, but youll be the one laughing when someone gets cramps etc.

OR- Use the walk onto the field to warm, when you get to your staging area then stretch.

[SPANKY *AK-47*]

Timmay is correct on this one, its a proven fact that if you warm up, or speed up the hear (therefore warming muscles) before you stretch not only wil you be healthier, but you have a 75% lesser chance of cramps

[DKruse]

also, if it is going to be hot (which it always has a possibility :P ) don't wait until the day of to drink your fluids... start drinking water the day before or so, so that your body is already replenished with water. (marching for three hours taught me that)

[Sanchez]

is there any good water packs that u can buy that are pretty good that maybe u guys have used? i bought one but its crap but i like using them though cuz it at least kinda refreshes u as long as it isnt to big of a POS

[Maple]

Are you talking about a camelbak? If so, it really depends on how much money you're willing to spend and what type of pack you want.
You can buy decent camelbaks at sporting good stores or if you want something that is more versitile and can be used as a rucksack, try lightfighter.com or blackhawk.com

[Sanchez]

Are you talking about a camelbak? If so, it really depends on how much money you're willing to spend and what type of pack you want.
You can buy decent camelbaks at sporting good stores or if you want something that is more versitile and can be used as a rucksack, try lightfighter.com or blackhawk.com
ya thats exactly wat i was talking about :D im looking for a good one...i dont care about the price as long as it keeps me hydrated and isnt more then my AEG...

[Maple]

http://www.blackhawk.com/product_catalog.asp?cat_id=46&d=

[Razor]

Try this link for the Camel Back mfg. You can see some of the options and info on the different styles/options.

http://www.camelbak.com/mil/products.cfm


I would guess the stores such as Gander Mtn. will carry these or something similar also.

[KA-JJ]

It seems like everytime i get out on the field my stomach is either crampy or like queesy, any way to avoid this? :cry:

[Venus]

Depends, if it's just in the beginning of the game it could be nerves. If it persisits through out the whole game then it may be something more. My suggestion would be to make sure you are well hydrated before you go on the field. Then maybe 20 mins before the game starts eat something light, a granola bar, crackers, goldfish or my personal favorite teddy grams. That may help. Also bring water on the field, I would suggest a bottle of water AND a bottle of gatorade/ powerade or some propel. When you play you will be pushing you body hard and you will need to get more electrolytes into your system. When you play that hard your body does need more then just water. If you can't bring that with you for now I would then suggest putting the water, snack etc by your respawn point and buy a gel pack or two for on the field, they dont taste great but it gives you what you need till you can respawn.

Onto the streching issue. Timmay was absolutly right about streching cold muscles. Imagine if you had a rubber band in a freezer for about 10 mins and tried to strech it. Not going to work well. Now imagine that rubber band at room temp or slightly warmer. It's going to work much better. If you can, try and do a warm up of like 15 mins or more. Even if you just jog the field once around. On that note, it is even MORE crutial to strech AFTER the game!! I mean a good strech too. Even if its not immidiatly after, when you get home strech for a good 20-30 mins. That will help so much and the next day you wont be nearly as sore if at all.

And finally so you dont think that Im some punk kid that is a know it all, my mom has been a fitness instructer for over 20 years. She is constantly going to conventions to improve her knowlege... and guess who always has to hear about it. :D This is my advice, I havent played much airsoft but I am an active person and I treat airsoft as I would any other sport.