Exercise Lessons From Football

by Leta Shy 1

What's not to love about football season? Burgers on the grill, chips and dip, and all the crudité you can imagine. Oh, and whatever game is on TV. I may not be the hugest football fan, but I have to admire the fitness discipline of professional athletes. Even if you don't know your first-and-tens from your field goals, here are some fitness lessons you can learn from those modern-day gladiators.

Conditioning is important: Of course, those NFL'ers don't just roll out of bed and onto the field. Maintaining peak physical performance means developing a routine and sticking to it, but varying your workout enough so you keep seeing results.
• Protect that brain: Sporting a helmet on your bike ride is a no-brainer, but don't forget to protect your greatest asset by eating the right kind of brain food, like brazil nuts, avocados, and blueberries.
• Teamwork is key: Jocks value the importance of being on a team, so start your own by getting some workout buddies. They're good at motivating you, they can teach you some things, and unlike on a football field, the encouraging butt tap is optional.
• The right gear is essential: You may not be sporting a number on your back, but your workout uniform should have you performing at your best. Find what works for you to keep you supported in all the right places, sweat-free, and safer from injuries.
• Timing is everything: In football, those last few seconds on the clock can sometimes mean the difference between a Gatorade shower or a dejected march to the locker room. Get that winning feeling the same way by shaving seconds off your personal best or increasing your running time or goal miles.

Source: Flickr User Ed Yourdon