by Ben on January 23, 2012
The beauty of playing any sport in college is that it allows you to make connections with new people, keep yourself fit, discover a new passion you never knew that you had, and help you improve your grades by reducing your stress and teaching you to understand time management. Squash, not to be confused with the vegetable that also bears its name, is a racquet-based sport that makes an excellent activity to pursue while you’re attending a university. Here are a few reasons why this is the sport for you, college student:
Calorie burner. While squash is often (and unfairly) compared to other, more popular racquet sports like badminton or tennis, the squash court is bigger than the others, which requires that you actually run more than you would while playing badminton. Fans of the sport claim that you can burn from eight hundred to a thousand calories during a game or while practicing.
Your body’s health. Playing squash requires that you make quick stops and change your direction all the time as you face off against an opponent who is competing with you for the front wall, which is the same target for both of you. If you are going to engage in this practice, you will need to stretch properly before you play as well as purchase the proper equipment. Understand how your body works so that you can make the kind of quick movements the game requires without tearing your cartilage or muscles.
Racquet types. The variety of racquet types available to squash players (heavier for beginners since they produce more force, while a lighter racquet helps old-hands increase their maneuverability) means that a wider variety of people can play, including those with arm or wrist injuries who may find that a tennis racquet is too heavy for their comfort.
Endurance. You can build your body’s endurance as you increase the difficulty of the game. You can play rallies that last six seconds and then continue to expand them. “Forbes” magazine recently listed squash as the healthiest sport you can play, considering such factors as cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, injury risk, and flexibility.
Good for everyone! From beginners to experts, men and women, squash is an excellent sport for anyone to play. Strength and size don’t play as important a role as they do in, say, football, so if you have a high level of endurance, are speedy, and demonstrate an incredible amount of agility, then squash is the sport for you. Even if you’re nearing the end of your college days, squash is a sport you can consider as a way to relieve the stress you probably feel as the intensity of your classes has increased – it will keep you healthy mentally as well as physically!
If you’re an incoming freshman, prepare to work on your squash game while you pursue the top colleges for business administration. It’s also a great way to stay in shape if you take classes from one of the top colleges online.
by Ben on October 26, 2011
Whether you are a professional or a novice, you may require a few tips to improve your squash game.
When training:
Find yourself a good coach to give you lessons (preferably someone who has played for at least five years), someone you trust and with whom you work well.
Warm-up before you begin to play. You can do this by jogging and stretching, anything to warm up your muscles and increase your heart rate. Also make sure to visualize yourself playing a game while working out.
Always wear squash shoes. There are special shoes designed specifically for squash players that provide you with durability, grip, and added stability to provides you the traction you need while on the court.
Choose your racquet with care and consideration. The proper shoes and appropriate racquet are the two most important tools for playing the game.
Spend some time watching videos of professional squash games. Pay particular attention to the moves and techniques the pros use. You will also find yourself motivated by watching stars in the field.
Practice! This means giving yourself the opportunity to be on the court at least three times a week. You can train with a friend, take lessons, or actually play a real game.
Fitness:
Keep yourself aerobically fit. You can improve your condition by swimming, cycling, or running.
Use specific exercises like leg squats and lunges to strengthen your hips and upper legs. You will also want to focus on keeping your stomach, torso, and back strong. Focus on the bench press to strengthen your arms, shoulders, and back; the leg press to strength your quads and hamstrings; the military press to strengthen your arms and shoulders; and perform incline crunches to strength your abdominal muscles. You can also include sit-ups, pull-ups, and push-ups in your regular training regime.
Keep active by playing other sports as well. Basketball and soccer are good options.
Stay flexible. Great squash players are able to use their own flexibility to cover the squash court in large distances with a single stride.
Avoid smoking and drinking.
You may also want to consider weight loss supplements such as fiber-based products to control food urges and make you feel full.
You will also want to stay mentally fit. Squash requires an intense amount of concentration. Practicing yoga will provide you with the required flexibility and muscle tone you need while acting physically on the court, but it also aids in concentration. You can help your mental fortitude by making sure to get plenty of rest. Listen to your body. If you’re feeling aches and pains, treat them to avoid injuries that will prevent you from continuing to play the game. Above all stay positive during the game. Don’t focus on the negative aspects or wrong calls made by a referee. Even if you are a squash novice, believe in yourself. With all your preparation, both mental and physical, and your continued practice, you will undoubtedly love the challenge that squash provides. Go team you!
Sarah Danielson writes for www.getprograde.com where you can find great products and advice to help you lose weight.
The beauty of playing any sport in college is that it allows you to make connections with new people, keep yourself fit, discover a new passion you never knew that you had, and help you improve your grades by reducing your stress and teaching you to understand time management. Squash, not to be confused with the vegetable that also bears its name, is a racquet-based sport that makes an excellent activity to pursue while you’re attending a university. Here are a few reasons why this is the sport for you, college student: