fitnessASSIST

Rugby League clubs are already getting stuck into pre-season training ahead of the big Super League kick-off at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on February 12th.

Most clubs have been back in training for around three weeks, although players returning from international duty were given a couple of extra weeks rest to recover from a punishing 2010 season.

Once players report back for duty they are faced with the prospect of a tough training programme that is designed to ensure they are in peak physical condition come the start of the season.

At the core of any rugby league pre-season schedule is strength and conditioning.  Most Super League clubs now employ a dedicated strength and conditioning coach who is responsible for pushing each player to his physical limit.

Fitness training typically involves hours of cardiovascular exercise in the gym, multi-stage fitness tests and gruelling hill runs. The strength and conditioning coach will also use weight training sessions and plyometric training to develop strength and power.

As well as bringing in specialised coaches, clubs have also embrace sports science testing.  Players are subjected to a rigorous programme of tests as soon as they report for pre-season with further tests performed to monitor improvements.

As the start of the season gets closer, coaches will start to introduce SAQ sessions designed to improve speed, agility and quickness before finally turning their attention to skills coaching.

Comprehensive, well structured training programmes like this help to prepare players for the rigours of an 80 minute match and reduce the risk of injuries.

The physical nature of rugby league means that injuries are unfortunately part and parcel of the game, even during pre-season. However, this risk can be lessened and recovery times improved by maintaining optimum condition and adopting good injury prevention techniques.

fitnessASSIST offers a wide range of training aids and sports injury treatment products to help players reach and maintain peak physical condition as well as aiding prevention and management of sports injuries.

Through our new Sport Science testing laboratory, fitnessASSIST can also offer a variety of physiological assessments to athletes, coaches, sports enthusiasts and to individuals who want to improve their health and fitness.

We offer sport science support and services to athletes of all levels and all sports. Our physiological assessments include Vo2 max, lactate profiling, body composition analysis, anthropometric profile, race pace capability, resting metabolic weight, explosive power and strength profile.

To find out what great pre season deals we have for your club call 01978 660077 now!