Page 29 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 58

www.sportsenergynews.com Issue #58 September 2017 29

Continued from page 28 performance. Here are the three situations I and take care of their body between
2) Shoulders and Upper Back are commonly see parents consider for practice and competition. Risk
This is where an increased risk of rounded (sit forward), possibly from a their youths offseason plan: of injury is significantly lowered
injury is present. lack of thoracic (upper back) mobility, 1) Youth athlete works because dysfunctions are eliminated,
Now look at a proper resistance too much focus on pushing (your out with dad all summer. Result = bone density is increased, as is muscle
training approach created by a push up workouts aren’t helping), and doesn’t fix imbalances or dysfunctions, size and the ability to activate muscles
qualified strength & conditioning a lack of upper back activation and gets stronger but performance barely required during athletic performance
professional. The program begins strength. This increases the risk of increases because the athlete doesn’t in both contact and non-contact

with assessments and goal setting. shoulder injury significantly. move better or activate muscle situations.
The movement assessments allow 3) Knee Hypermobility, possibly a properly. *Injury risk is increased My advice is to seek the advice of
for the qualified professional to result of over developed quads (front and the work put in doesn’t provide a qualified strength and conditioning
understand the athlete’s body, which of leg muscle group) which extend the the results desired. professional. Sure there is a cost.
muscles activate properly or not, knee, compared to underdeveloped 2) Youth athlete avoids However, if you’re going to spend
which joints or movements lack hamstrings (back of leg muscle all resistance training and focuses money on to play at the highest level
or have excessive mobility, and if group) which flex the knee. This is on playing their sport as much as of competition (or pursing a higher
any movements cause pain. The an indicator for increased risk of knee possible. Result = skills improve but level) and if the athlete is really
questionnaire assessments allow the or hamstring injury. *Being the most other athletes have become stronger invested, it’s money well spent. A
qualified professional to understand flexible isn’t always a good thing! and move better. Risk of injury not qualified strength and conditioning
the athletes training age (training 4) Instability on One Leg, likely a reduced, possibly even increased coach and program is far more than

experience), previous or current cause of having a dominant leg (the from continuous imbalances caused getting athletes “in shape”. It is an
injuries, nutritional understanding, leg you shoot off of or kick with). by having a dominant leg; shooting education on how to prepare the body

and begin to set training goals. Here Instability could come from a lack and playing from one side of the body to perform. This is something that
are a few examples of what may be of activation around the hip, knee, over and over and over. isn’t taken away at the conclusion of
found during initial assessments: ankle, or a combination thereof. This 3) Youth athlete follows the training program but can be taken
1) Anterior Pelvic Tilt (forward increases the risk of injury in the non- a coached program designed by a into the season and used in the future.
rotation of the pelvis) this could lead dominant leg, both in contact and qualified strength and conditioning It’s like going to a skills coach; you’re
to lower back pain and decreased hip non-contact situations. professional. Result = athlete going to implement the skills you we
mobility. The qualified strength and If any of these or other dysfunctions moves better, increases strength taught at your sessions to enhance
conditioning professional may find occur (and they will) then for long and mechanics and therefore has a your performance long after you left
this is from tight hip flexors and weak term athletic development, injury stronger more powerful stride, can the ice during that session or week of
or inactive glutes, some mobility and risk reduction, and performance out must others in battles, can absorb camp.
strengthening is required to correct enhancement they must be fixed with contact, and has a harder shot. Athlete Work Hard, Train Smart!
this, prevent injury, and increase an appropriate training program. knows how to warm-up, cool down, Jordan Bent, CSCS

Pommier Jewellers presents

MOM of the month

Michelle Villeneuve

Michelle Villeneuve is a manager extraordinaire.
The Maxville resident has been managing various teams
her boys, Dustin, 14, and Logan, 10, have been playing
on for most of their lives. She is also the treasurer for the
NGS Minor Hockey Association this year, and last year
was the association’s tournament convenor.

As an office administrator by trade, Villeneuve is very

organized and her boys’ teams have benefitted from her
expertise.
“I like to be involved and ensure there is always enough assistance for programs to be offered to each
of my children,” she says.
Dustin is heading into Grade 9 at Tagwi Secondary School this year and hopes to play hockey again
this year with his friends with the NGS Braves. Logan is going into Grade 5 at Roxmore Public School
and will be skating with the Seaway Valley Major Atom AA Rapids.
Villeneuve, 32, says sports are a great way for her children to learn life lessons and exercise at the
same time.
“It keeps them out of trouble and off the XBOX,” she jokes. “They learn teamwork, dedication, and
commitment. My goal for my boys is always to have fun and give it your all. At the end of the day, I
hope my kids coach some day and still play hockey when they become parents themselves.”
Villeneuve’s favourite sports moments are attending Ottawa Senators games with her family and
watching Chicago and Boston win. She has competed in the women’s ball hockey league in Crysler
over the past couple of winters and is hoping to start playing broomball this season. It’s a great way
to meet new people.
“I and my children have made best of friends with lots of hockey family’s. At the end of the day your
team becomes your family and I am truly blessed to call many people my family.”