How to Stay Fit While Injured: 6 Helpful Tips

Whether it’s a minor or career-altering injury, every athlete is at risk due to the nature of their profession. As a pro cheerleader, you’ve probably experienced being injured at some point in your career.

Many pro cheerleaders are no stranger to common injuries such as muscle and ligament strains or finger and hand injuries, especially when they have poor conditioning or flexibility. Sometimes performing high-level skill routines without proper training can lead to more severe injuries like fractures or dislocations of the shoulder or elbow.

Injuries can make you feel weak and depressed. Yet as a pro athlete, you must remain in shape and healthy to set yourself in the best possible condition after you’ve recovered. Here are six helpful tips you can stay fit while injured.

1. Stop whining and start acting

Losing your favorite hubby or being sidelined because of an injury may make you feel more disappointed than in pain. But if you want to recover fast and be ready for next season, there should be no time for whining.

The sooner you accept that injuries happen and are part of being an athlete, the sooner you’ll

realize that complaining won’t help you heal faster. You must learn to condition yourself to stay fit even when injured.

2. Focus on nutrition

Injuries often limit your ability to move freely, forcing you to postpone your usual workouts temporarily. When you’re not physically able to practice dancing with your squad, it’s better to shift your focus to eating healthy. Proper nutrition can help you stay fit, especially when you’re still trying to recover from an injury.

In addition, eating foods high in protein, VItamin C, fiber, and Omega-3 fatty acids can help you heal faster.

3. Sweat it out

While it’s true that being injured can limit the intensity of your workout, there are several other ways to stay active. For example, if your injuries are above the waist, try walking and jogging or use the treadmill or stationary bikes. If you injured your knees or legs, try swimming in the pool or doing pull-ups.

It doesn’t matter how you do it, as long as you maintain your aerobic fitness without aggravating your existing injury.

4. Lift weights

Lifting weights is essential in keeping your body in shape. Since you’re a pro cheerleader, it’s probably already part of your practice. Lifting weights is one of the best alternatives for staying fit, especially when you’re not physically able to perform intense exercises. Focus on strengthening your core muscles and the areas of your body not affected by injury.

5. Try something new

Most often than not, losing your favorite hobby or even career to injuries can make you feel bored and indifferent. Trying something new keeps you motivated to stay fit and healthy. Try something you’ve always wanted to do but didn’t have the time for because of training or other stuff. So, go for whatever your injury will allow you to do and take this chance to discover a new passion.

6. Stay connected

It can be awful and frustrating not to be able to train with your squad. Staying in touch with your colleagues could at least make you feel that you are still part of the team. Make an effort to support them in other ways despite your injury. This will encourage you to stay fit and heal as fast as possible so you can return to pro cheerleading sooner.

Conclusion

Watching your cheerleading team from the sidelines performing in events may be one of the worst aspects of being injured. It may be normal to be upset about it, but it’s better to keep it in perspective. Turn those frustrations into motivation and encourage yourself to stay fit and healthy while you recover. Consider these six helpful tips and prepare your body as you heal so you can return to cheerleading stronger than ever!

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