Beginning of the season, aches and pains

We are at the beginning of the season. Depending on the athlete's fitness level, many will be sore from the day's team workouts. Here are some simple tricks to help them recover to continue participating.

1. Stretch: The athlete should stretch when they get home, before bed, when they get up, and throughout the day - especially if they are sore from the previous day. Overused muscles will want to shorten up. Let's keep them loose, stretching them out.

2. Hydrate: With the increased activity load, athletes need to stay hydrated. Water, coconut water, Gatorade (with water mixed to dilute the sugar), and Pedialyte are all acceptable. Muscles need hydration. Staying adequately hydrated also helps prevent cramping.

3. Epson Salt Baths: For those experiencing sore leg muscles, purchasing a bag of Epson Salts (Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid) and adding them to a ho