Pickleball Wellness Tips with Matt Del Garbino from My Home Fitness Plan Personal Training
We sat down with Matt Del Garbino, owner of My Home Fitness Plan Personal Training, to learn about his tips and tricks relating to pickleball wellness. He gave us great info regarding the importance of proper warm ups, staying hydrated, and the importance of a proper recovery.
Want to improve your mobility on and off the court? You can reach out to Matt in the club, grab a business card from the front desk, or visit his at website myhomefitnessplan.com! Your first session is free, and RECS members get 10% off their monthly personal training packages.
Get a Proper Warm Up In!
One of the tips Matt shared with us was the importance of a proper warm-up. Treat your body to a few minutes of movement before you begin playing. Instead of jumping straight into your pickleball session, ease in with some gentle stretching and mobility exercises. Focus on areas such as your ankles, knees, hips, and arms.
Because pickleball involves quick starts, stops, and sudden changes in direction, properly preparing your body can help reduce the risk of injury!
Try big steps across the court, a light jog, or one of these other stretches that Matt has demonstrated.
Hydration is Key!
Staying hydrated is another vital component to your wellbeing while playing, especially when it’s hot out. “It’s easy to get dehydrated, and by the time you figure it out, it’s too late. Either have water with electrolytes on hand, or sip something in between when you have a break. You don’t want to get a cramp while playing or later on — so always have a little more than you might think you need.”
Improve Your Endurance
Consistent exercise, such as playing pickleball regularly, will make your overall body and system stronger. “When I’m taking people through a strength training session, they’re building a more solid foundation to do the things that they want to do for longer. They can, for example, play pickleball with more confidence without worrying about falling or becoming fatigued too quickly.”
Make Recovery a Priority
When you’re all done playing, ensure you have a proper recovery set up. Prioritize proper hydration to replenish electrolytes and reduce the risk of cramps after, grab a light snack so your body can replenish the calories and energy that you’ve expended.
