Welcome to week one of Behind the Plate with Amac!
If you love softball you’ve come to the right place!
This week, I want to focus on one thing in particular – Beating the heat.
This summer has been truly unbearable! So while I talked of sportsmanship in the past as being one of the main focal points. Taking care of yourself while playing softball or any sport really is just as important.
Especially in weather like this.
Where I live it’s especially muggy and humid out.
It important to keep yourself cool while you’re playing.
1. Stay Hydrated!
I know this one should seem fairly obvious, but it’s important!
Drink plenty of water!
When I played, we’d often mix water and Gatorade together diluting the sugar while gaining water and the needed electrolytes.
This is not an exact science or back by anything except experience.
2. Sip, Don’t Chug
One important thing is to remember not to shock your system with too much cold water.
Sip it, don’t chug it. Slow steady sips are easier on the stomach.
3. Shade is Your Friend
The shade is the best place to be anytime you don’t have to be in the sun.
Just sitting in the sun can drain energy and make you hot. Not to mention sunburns.
Take five and find some shade. Your body will thank you.
4. Eat Fruit
One thing we always did when playing was eat fruit.
Fruit is naturally filled with water and sugar, giving you energy and water to help you keep hydrated. It also gives you something light in your stomach and not hot on an already hot day.
Watermelon, grapes, and apples were popular amongst us.
5. Facecloths
Leave a few facecloths in your cooler.
Trust me, once they’re properly frozen and ice is clinging to them, put it around your neck. It’s one of the best ways I kept cool while sitting in the dugout. Just make sure you put it back when you head to the field!
6. Keep Track of Bodily Functions
Yes, it sounds weird. But it’s important!
I once played with a girl who proudly announced she stopped sweating. The flock of concerned mothers was astounding.
It didn’t mean she was no longer hot, it meant her body had run out of water to sweat out, and her body wouldn’t be able to regulate her temperature anymore.
If you’re not sweating or you don’t need to pee all day. You don’t have enough water in your system.
7. Gadgets & Fans
When I was younger we had misters and fans that sprayed air along with mini fans.
These were essential to keeping cool for us. It was a good way to get a breeze, or splash some cold water on our faces.
It doesn’t mean your doomed without these, but technology has improved and you should take advantage of all the funky cooling devices. They might prove useful.
8. Be Extra
Everything!
Extra water and Gatorade, facecloths, money, pack the bigger cooler, extra food, a spare change of clothes.
You never know what you’ll go through on a hot day.
You might drink more water or have another slice of watermelon.
Hot days while playing a sport can be unpredictable. So bring extra of everything because you’ll be glad you did.
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NOTE: I am not a medical expert, this is advice based on my own experience playing softball. One size does not fit all, and this is not in place of medical attention. If you feel sick or off, see a doctor.
As always thanks for reading!
Spread the love and play on!
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