How are you going to stay fit for the summer?

Tim Robbins

Right it's that time of the year again, all your hard work and your fitness is at its best :-)

So the million dollar question how are you going to stay fit over the summer?

1. Tag - not enough exercise.
2. 5 aside soccer - very easy to injure either knees or ankles.
3. 10K runs - wrong type of fitness.
4. Gym - on a summer's evening - no way.
5. Train with a GAA team - a possibility I suppose...

So what's it going to be?

Downtime

Gonna keep doing what I do now - maybe take a week off. Will substitute Monday tipper for an endurance session and add in yo - yo on a Wednesday. Will do another session on a Sat in replacement of a game and lengthen my Sunday recovery session.

CatFromHue

why not try some rugby league?

there are teams around the country who are always looking for players. its a summer league and you'd enjoy it more than tag.

JustinDee

Who is your question aimed at? Players? Officials?
Too vague and I'd like to know how playing Tag rugby isn't enough exercise. Reffing it is excellent to keep limbre over the slacker part of summer too.

Myself, I'll continue to do two weights sessions a week, two runs and I'll be returning to the cricket oval as a bowler this summer on the weekends when I won't be working.

Tim Robbins

JustinDee wrote: »

Who is your question aimed at? Players? Officials?

Either.

Too vague and I'd like to know how playing Tag rugby isn't enough exercise. Reffing it is excellent to keep limbre over the slacker part of summer too.

Myself, I'll continue to do two weights sessions a week, two runs and I'll be returning to the cricket oval as a bowler this summer on the weekends when I won't be working.

Fair play.

JustinDee

Tim Robbins wrote: »

Fair play.

Its basically a summer version of my winter I've been finished playing a decade at this stage.

Downtime

JustinDee wrote: »

Who is your question aimed at? Players? Officials?
Too vague and I'd like to know how playing Tag rugby isn't enough exercise. Reffing it is excellent to keep limbre over the slacker part of summer too.

Myself, I'll continue to do two weights sessions a week, two runs and I'll be returning to the cricket oval as a bowler this summer on the weekends when I won't be working.

Looking forward to seeing you in action.

Eoin

I'd like to think I'll keep up the gym sessions over the summer. I hate tag, so won't be playing. Nothing against it, it's just not for me!

CatFromHue wrote: »

why not try some rugby league?

there are teams around the country who are always looking for players. its a summer league and you'd enjoy it more than tag.

I'm definitely thinking of going back to League this summer - I used to play with the Dublin Blues a good few years ago. I was a hell of a lot fitter in those days though

2nd Row Donkey

Gonna give RL a try

Tim - Why are 10K runs the wrong type of fitness? Maybe not the perfect replacement perhaps but surely not a bad thing .. or do you know something I don't? (seriously, 'cos this is what i've done in previous close seasons).


Definitly not doing any tag - you need skill, good hands and last not least something that I definitly don't have - a change of pace and more then one gear !

Was toying with the idea of doing some boxing or kick boxing or similar if anyone has any suggestons/recommendations.

Tim Robbins

2nd Row Donkey wrote: »

Gonna give RL a try

Tim - Why are 10K runs the wrong type of fitness? Maybe not the perfect replacement perhaps but surely not a bad thing .. or do you know something I don't? (seriously, 'cos this is what i've done in previous close seasons).

I did 10K runs last summer and they made very little difference to my match fitness. The last few weeks months, I've been interval training only and I am flying along.

Just 30 min - 1 hour sessions, twice a week.

Definitly not doing any tag - you need skill, good hands and last not least something that I definitly don't have - a change of pace and more then one gear !

Agree - and believe it or not I have most of those

Except I find in tag you get such a mix of standards on the field at the one time that it's almost not even a sport just some weird experiment that ends up a mixture between tip rugby and chasing.

You get these players who are very athletic and are probably playing another sport at an elite level that are actually very fast and evasive but haven't a clue how to run a line or draw a player and they are effecting playing chasing.

It's mad.

tolosenc

Stay - get... It's a fine line...

Tim_Murphy

Have any of you considered Mixed Martial Arts? It wouldn't be the exact same type of fitness obviously but there would be some cross over with the wrestling aspect of it, better than going for long runs anyway. Better craic too.

Tristram

Tim Robbins wrote: »

The last few weeks months, I've been interval training only and I am flying along.

Just 30 min - 1 hour sessions, twice a week.

How do you structure your sessions?

Quint2010

why are 10k's the wrong type of fitness?..

Tim Robbins

Quint2010 wrote: »

why are 10k's the wrong type of fitness?..

Well it depends on the person and your needs. But I find they make your change of pace worse even though they improve your stamina.

Mr.Applepie

Tim Robbins wrote: »

Except I find in tag you get such a mix of standards on the field at the one time that it's almost not even a sport just some weird experiment that ends up a mixture between tip rugby and chasing.

You get these players who are very athletic and are probably playing another sport at an elite level that are actually very fast and evasive but haven't a clue how to run a line or draw a player and they are effecting playing chasing.

It's mad.

They just need someone beside them screaming at them telling them what to do

Quint2010

well I just run them to keep weight down-dont really care about fitness but thanks!

2nd Row Donkey

Tim Robbins wrote: »

I did 10K runs last summer and they made very little difference to my match fitness. The last few weeks months, I've been interval training only and I am flying along.

Just 30 min - 1 hour sessions, twice a week.

Yeah, I started doing a bit more interval training towards the end of last summer, mostly cos I didn't have the time to go out jogging for 60-90 mins so I'd do a 45 mins session with interval sprints etc so I could make the most of what little time i had to train.

Think I'll concentrate on these instead of the long distance stuff this summer. Cheers

2nd Row Donkey

Tim Robbins wrote: »

Well it depends on the person and your needs. But I find they make your change of pace worse even though they improve your stamina.

Just googled some training techniques and there is a school of thought that says if you run slow in training (ie middle distance running) then you end up conditioning your body for slower running/pace in competition/games etc, which makes sense I suppose.

freyners

im going to be working out in france...no access to a gym and running in 30 degree heat most days.....its going to be fun:( need to lose 2 stone too so

Plan:
Buy a set of dumbells....replace what i cant do with a variety of pushups and do this programmedo this exercise set

soccer pitch close to the mobile ill be stayin in...doing the running session...3/4 pace/sprint the diagonals..walk/light jog the goal line


Ill let ye know how that works out:rolleyes:


on another note...i need an ankle support..done damage to my ligaments mid season and only began serious training again...anyone recommend one thats cheap enough? i wont skimp on quality as i know what a bad quality support can lead to but anything that could save a few bob is appreciated

maherball

Monday: Indoor Unihock
Tuesday: Gym session
Wednesday:Tag rugby and maybe some astro turf.
Thursday: Gym
Friday: Astro turf soccer (1-2hours and anywhere between 5-11 a side)

I am playing to do a gym program I found online and see how that goes.

Tim Robbins

Did a savage work out last night. All you need is a watch that you can set intervals on (beeps every X seconds) and about 8 cones.

I began my lining up the cones as if it was yo yo and set it to 20 seconds. I'd run to a cone and then to 20 press ups, then run back 20 pressups. After 80 pressups, did the same for lunges and sit ups. Followed by some dynamic stretching. Great warm up.

Then changed the cones to running at angles - did something similar. Then changed the cones so there was some running backwards. All interval stuff, I'd just change it to say 30 seconds, or 15 seconds or whatever.

Then did can't remember what's it called a 650 or something. Man these are fun.

Then went through some game scenarios. Simulate say three rucks, a turnover and then a few pick and drives and blind side breaks. Again all interval based.

All done in about 45 minutes and felt like a great workout. I hit the local park by 7.15 was home for just after 8.

Now you might be saying that I am not been very scientific in what I am doing, where I am placing the cones and what I am setting the watch to - I 'd agree but too much routine and it gets boring.

I suggest everyone just posts up here info about their sessions for the summer. A good way to motivate each other.

Here is some good stats for spingbok's fitness

http://www.topendsports.com/sport/union/testing-springboks.htm

hardCopy

Mr.Applepie wrote: »

They just need someone beside them screaming at them telling them what to do

I've been that screamer, it's like herding cats.

"Stay behind him"

"Run forward"

"Catch the ball"

It really shouldn't be that hard.

Luckycharm

Mr.Applepie wrote: »

They just need someone beside them screaming at them telling them what to do

Tag fitness depends on what level you play at - if you play at a decent level with and against Decent player it will keep you fit.
Touch rugby will keep you fit alot more running then Tag rugby as everyone has to move in attack and Defence.
RL don't like it running straight into 3 big lads for five plays and doing some wiggling then kicking on 6th tackle does not appeal - tried it for a summer and hated it.
GYM I find dull dull dull

JustinDee

Luckycharm wrote: »

RL don't like it running straight into 3 big lads for five plays and doing some wiggling then kicking on 6th tackle does not appeal - tried it for a summer and hated it

That's called bad rugby league, mate. Play on a better side with a coach who knows what they're doing. Whole different game with a skillful halfback, first-five and hooker.

Tim Robbins

So how is everyone Summer fitness going?

I am back playing Soccer. Really enjoying it. Played some lovely passing and moving this week.

Also doing some kettle bell classes. These are bloody tough. But I'd highly recommend anyone still playing to check kettle bells out. There's some great exercises you can do which get you very low and work on your strength and balance. One in particular is you are in the press up position with a kettle bell in each hand. You crawl forward. Bloody tough. But, it would be way of getting your body used to going low, maintaining balance and strength. I suspect a very good way to improve your rucking, tackling and ball carrying.

Morf

Getting fitter and losing weight (largely due to diet changes and a slightly increased urge to run myself ragged).

Playing tag and playing 5-a-side soccer 3 or 4 times a week.

I had to forgo yoga due to a clash with tag training. Hoping to take that back up later in the year.

I'd like to find someone to do interval training with. I'll get asking around the rugby lads on that.

The (very) odd 40 minute run too.

fightireland

I tend to pick something Im crap at - and aim to improve it for a 9 weeks.

EG 5K Run
1. Can I do it?
2. How quick can I do it?
3. Can I do it with weight?

EG 30 lengtht of the pool Run
1. Can I do it?
2. How quick can I do it?

Taking up boxing, Tag, surfing

This keeps you body and mind fit! :-)

fightireland

I tend to pick something Im crap at - and aim to improve it for 9 weeks.

A 5K Run
1. Can I do it?
2. How quick can I do it?
3. Can I do it with weight?

Swim 30 length of the pool Run
1. Can I do it?
2. How quick can I do it?

Taking up boxing or Tag or even surfing!

This keeps you body and mind fit! :-)

2nd Row Donkey

Didn't realise this thread was still going.

I'm doing 4 things, but I wonder if I should just concentrate on one.

1) Caveman training @ the sparatan MMA centre in tallaght.

Consists of 50-80 mins of bootcamp style training - flipping tractor tyres, carring beer kegs, atlas stones, battering tractor tyres with a sledge hammers, deadlifts (incl lifting a 200kg car!), and swinging ropes (which is tougher then lifting the car believe me!). Done in reps of 90seconds with 90 seconds rest, then repeated before moving to the next exercise .This is only one day a week although I went twice last week. Google caveman training to get a better idea.

2) Long runs - doing about 10-12 mile runs on a sat or sun morning around the tallaght area - got burnt last sunday and got soaked to the skin this Sunday (yesterday). Damn irish weather.

3) Interval runs - 45-60 mins runs either in the park or on the threadmill. Usually run about 10k with alternating jogs/sprints.


4) the dreaded "Hennie Mullers" .. started these about 2 weeks ago - twice a week for about 20 mins in Tymon park.

Eoin

I'd my first game of league on Saturday, which was fun but tiring. It's a different type of tiredness; none of the aches and pains from scrummaging all day long.

Our union team also trying to play tip once a week.

Finally, I've been driving past the gym regularly; just need to actually stop in for a while.

Timothy Bryce

Tried James O'Connor's workout he posted on twitter a while back - left me in ribbons!

http://yfrog.com/h0kqlfbjj

Tim Robbins

2nd Row Donkey wrote: »

Didn't realise this thread was still going.

I'm doing 4 things, but I wonder if I should just concentrate on one.

1) Caveman training @ the sparatan MMA centre in tallaght.

Consists of 50-80 mins of bootcamp style training - flipping tractor tyres, carring beer kegs, atlas stones, battering tractor tyres with a sledge hammers, deadlifts (incl lifting a 200kg car!), and swinging ropes (which is tougher then lifting the car believe me!). Done in reps of 90seconds with 90 seconds rest, then repeated before moving to the next exercise .This is only one day a week although I went twice last week. Google caveman training to get a better idea.

2) Long runs - doing about 10-12 mile runs on a sat or sun morning around the tallaght area - got burnt last sunday and got soaked to the skin this Sunday (yesterday). Damn irish weather.

3) Interval runs - 45-60 mins runs either in the park or on the threadmill. Usually run about 10k with alternating jogs/sprints.


4) the dreaded "Hennie Mullers" .. started these about 2 weeks ago - twice a week for about 20 mins in Tymon park.

Describe your "Hennie Mullers" ..?

2nd Row Donkey

Tim Robbins wrote: »

Describe your "Hennie Mullers" ..?

You know... where you run figure 8 shaped laps of the pitch ... sprinting from the one corner to the other (i.e across the middle of the pitch (thru the centre spot to the far corner) and then jogging at a recovery speed across the try line/behind the goal. There are different variations... and this exercise is known by another name too (escapes me at the moment).

Every club does them .. I think they even had their own thread on here the season before last!

Tim Robbins

2nd Row Donkey wrote: »

You know... where you run figure 8 shaped laps of the pitch ... sprinting from the one corner to the other (i.e across the middle of the pitch (thru the centre spot to the far corner) and then jogging at a recovery speed across the try line/behind the goal. There are different variations... and this exercise is known by another name too (escapes me at the moment).

Every club does them .. I think they even had their own thread on here the season before last!

How many do you do? Do you take breaks?

cheers?

yupyup7up

Yeah OP is right. 10k is wrong type if fitness.

I was very fit after doing a half marathon last year and could run the legs off most people but the second any upper body work came into effect, I was wrecked straight away!

Although after oxegen I'm going to climb carantuohill again, very good for fitness!

I usually do,
Monday - Indoor Soccer
Tuesday - Rugby Training
Wednesday - Indoor Soccer
Thursday - Rugby Training
Friday - Rest
Saturday - Usually have a rugby match
Sunday - Astro Soccer

but for the summer

Monday - Indoor Soccer
Tuesday - Rest
Wednesday - Indoor Soccer
Thursday - Tag Rugby Match(for a few weeks)
Friday - Rest
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - Astro

ROLL ON NEXT SEASON!

2nd Row Donkey

Tim Robbins wrote: »

How many do you do? Do you take breaks?

cheers?

Not many (yet)

I do a 7-8 min warm up in the form a of a jog from the car park to the pitch and 1-2 laps. I then do 20-25 mins of the hennie mullers followed by a jog back to my car.

No breaks, other then to pick up/place the cones I use as markers.

The first night I did 8 laps in 19 mins approx
The 2nd night I did 10 laps in 23 or 24 mins I think
The 3rd night I did 11 laps in 25 mins approx

As you can see by my times, pace is not something I was graced with.

2nd Row Donkey

yupyup7up wrote: »

Yeah OP is right. 10k is wrong type if fitness.

I was very fit after doing a half marathon last year and could run the legs off most people but the second any upper body work came into effect, I was wrecked straight away!

Interesting comments.

I too did some half marathons last off-season and put in countless hours/miles in preperation.
When we started back in pre-season I was flying around in the warm-up laps etc but sure enough when it came to bag work, ruck drills etc - I was as bolloxed as the next guy.
My recovery period was probably a bit better then theirs but thats about it.

Its hard to know what to do - soo much conflicting information.

2nd Row Donkey

Timothy Bryce wrote: »

Tried James O'Connor's workout he posted on twitter a while back - left me in ribbons!

http://yfrog.com/h0kqlfbjj

Ouch .. I dont know what half those are but it looks tough. Then I read the bottom bit - 'all reps of 15' and '3 set's! Forget that!

Timothy Bryce

2nd Row Donkey wrote: »

Ouch .. I dont know what half those are but it looks tough. Then I read the bottom bit - 'all reps of 15' and '3 set's! Forget that!

tried it last night in the gym and nearly died - in fairness he's paid obscene amount of the ozzie dollarie-doos to be able to do that kind of workout with his eyes shut!

CatFromHue

I've a long term knee injury so it's not a case of me staying fit.

I did buy a punch bag and wall bracket from Elverys that were relatively cheap. Thats a pretty good workout I have to say.

stephen_n

Pretty much what I do during the season minus the matches, which is go to the gym a couple of times a week and contemplate but never achieve any sort of cardio!