Training Tips for footballers during the winter months

 

Staying fit during the winter months can be challenging.  Even though the festive break from training and playing is often only two weeks, your body will decrease in the VO2 max (which is the maximum amount your body can intake oxygen) (Michigan State University). Finding time and motivation during this time period can be difficult, but by following these few steps you will continue to keep your fitness and wellbeing where they need to be.  

1. 1. Indoor workouts for footballers - You can engage in indoor exercises like bodyweight workouts, including High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) sessions.  There are plenty of online resources and apps that provide guided workout routines you can do at home.  Vary the type you do a few times a week, so you get an all over body workout. 

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2. 2. Equipment for football fitness - Consider investing in home fitness equipment like dumbbells, resistance bands, or a stationary bike. Having these tools at home can make it easier to stay active during the off season too. 

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3. 3. Workout routine for footballers. Stay disciplined and make exercise a regular part of your schedule.  Try a brisk walk home or to work/college/school.  Get on/off public transport further away and attempt to beat your time home by moving faster than you normally would. Putting exercise into a daily routine can help change your habits for life. 

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4. 4. Consider short runs at daybreak – rather than trying to run at the end of the day, get up and go out as day breaks, when the weather is better.  Check the forecast beforehand and commit to the time.  

5. 5.Try and alternative form of exercise.  Go for a swim or cycle, join an exercise class or round up your friends and family for competitive badminton.  Any form of exercise is better than no exercise. 

Try something that works for you, add variety into your training schedule to help you become a better footballer.