Introduction
They call it the El Clásico. Fans wait for this match every year. Reputations are on the line, and expectations to meet by the players in the buildup of the match that is played by Barcelona FC and Real Madrid C.F.
This year in 2010, the (Lionel) Messi vs. (Cristiano) Ronaldo 'showdown' was romanticized by the press both online and offline… and when after 90 minutes of bodies flying, Barca came up tops 2-0, much to the chagrin of their longtime rivals, Real.
However, it was interesting to understand as to why this has been the result (although, the numbers of goals would've been more or less) for a long time between these two clubs. Players like Messi, Xavi, Iniesta have come up the ranks of this team from the junior clubs to the Barca A team, and that must mean years of hard practice that really pushes one's limits in a sport that is just as injury prone as pro wrestling or the UFC.
Stamina, Stamina… Stamina is the key!
And this all points to stamina, stamina, stamina… there I said it three times… because it is rumoured that Cristiano Ronaldo does 3000 crunches everyday… forget 300, this is 3000 in number that we're talking about.
Do you think that this chap is worried about weight loss? Hardly, much like none of them have to… after 90 minutes of this fast-paced sport.
If everyone of us adopt that attitude, that's a start towards a fitter lifestyle is waiting in the wings…
Things to do in order to build stamina
Obviously, we cannot immediately attempt 3000 pushups a day but one must be a student of the game in order to understand what kind of exercises will benefit you most when it comes to playing the game well.
In the case of football, agile feet and excellent upper body strength is a must regardless of whichever position you play. And so here are a few things that one can do to build stamina just like the best of these players.
Activity #1: Jogging (either using the treadmill or out in your neighborhood)
Firstly, begin with running half a mile, and then increase it by another half a mile if you don't feel tired after the first half mile.
Activity #2: Jump Rope
Start with 50 repetitions, and consecutively increase by 10 until you feel tired. This exercise is fantastic for the heart, legs and especially for those who wish to have quick feet.
Activity #3: Hiking
This is an excellent activity that will not only build endurance for your heels, calves and thighs but will get your heart rate soaring, and this means, the burning of more calories as you work against gravity to reach the top of the hill.
Activity #4: Situps & Jumping Jacks
These are another set of exercises that will help you strengthen both your lower and upper body. Start with 25 repetitions and increase by another 10 if you're not tired yet.
Other things to remember is that with all this non-ball related exercise, one must also practice well with the soccer ball as well when it comes to kicking, trapping and passing, so that you are familiar with the body movements that come along with it.
Last but not the least, maintain a diet and drink lots of water that will keep you in shape and give you enough energy to play soccer like a champ.
In Closing
Perhaps, in building stamina in one area of your life, the lesson of endurance learned will move to other areas of your life. Remember, quitters never win and winners never quit!
Other Posts You'll Find Useful:
They call it the El Clásico. Fans wait for this match every year. Reputations are on the line, and expectations to meet by the players in the buildup of the match that is played by Barcelona FC and Real Madrid C.F.
This year in 2010, the (Lionel) Messi vs. (Cristiano) Ronaldo 'showdown' was romanticized by the press both online and offline… and when after 90 minutes of bodies flying, Barca came up tops 2-0, much to the chagrin of their longtime rivals, Real.
However, it was interesting to understand as to why this has been the result (although, the numbers of goals would've been more or less) for a long time between these two clubs. Players like Messi, Xavi, Iniesta have come up the ranks of this team from the junior clubs to the Barca A team, and that must mean years of hard practice that really pushes one's limits in a sport that is just as injury prone as pro wrestling or the UFC.
Stamina, Stamina… Stamina is the key!
And this all points to stamina, stamina, stamina… there I said it three times… because it is rumoured that Cristiano Ronaldo does 3000 crunches everyday… forget 300, this is 3000 in number that we're talking about.
Do you think that this chap is worried about weight loss? Hardly, much like none of them have to… after 90 minutes of this fast-paced sport.
If everyone of us adopt that attitude, that's a start towards a fitter lifestyle is waiting in the wings…
Things to do in order to build stamina
Obviously, we cannot immediately attempt 3000 pushups a day but one must be a student of the game in order to understand what kind of exercises will benefit you most when it comes to playing the game well.
In the case of football, agile feet and excellent upper body strength is a must regardless of whichever position you play. And so here are a few things that one can do to build stamina just like the best of these players.
Activity #1: Jogging (either using the treadmill or out in your neighborhood)
Firstly, begin with running half a mile, and then increase it by another half a mile if you don't feel tired after the first half mile.
Activity #2: Jump Rope
Start with 50 repetitions, and consecutively increase by 10 until you feel tired. This exercise is fantastic for the heart, legs and especially for those who wish to have quick feet.
Activity #3: Hiking
This is an excellent activity that will not only build endurance for your heels, calves and thighs but will get your heart rate soaring, and this means, the burning of more calories as you work against gravity to reach the top of the hill.
Activity #4: Situps & Jumping Jacks
These are another set of exercises that will help you strengthen both your lower and upper body. Start with 25 repetitions and increase by another 10 if you're not tired yet.
Other things to remember is that with all this non-ball related exercise, one must also practice well with the soccer ball as well when it comes to kicking, trapping and passing, so that you are familiar with the body movements that come along with it.
Last but not the least, maintain a diet and drink lots of water that will keep you in shape and give you enough energy to play soccer like a champ.
In Closing
Perhaps, in building stamina in one area of your life, the lesson of endurance learned will move to other areas of your life. Remember, quitters never win and winners never quit!
Other Posts You'll Find Useful: