Guest Blogging with us today is Alan Sladek. Alan is a Hobie Fishing Team member, TFO Rods Pro Staffer, supporter of Heroes on the Water, works with Elite Sports Training and of course, is the owner of the multimedia kayak fishing site Kayak Bass Adventures. Alan is a good friend, great fisherman and has a burning desire to keep us healthy on and off the water.
by Alan Sladek
Three years ago I was 5’9” and weighed 208. I decided to do
something about it because it was affecting multiple parts of my life: Family
and Fishing. I am passionate about fitness and flexibility and what that does
for you in everyday life. I appreciate Payne’s Paddle Fish for allowing me to
be a guest and share some things, that when done regularly will enhance your on
the water adventures. For me being out of shape and inflexible was
unacceptable. I hope you can gain a few tips and put them into practice.
Many of us travel great distances to fish and we are so
excited to arrive that we often time don’t think to stretch out or warm the
muscles up. I know stretching is the last thing on our minds when we arrive at
the water, but taking four minutes to warm up your muscles and to stretch out
will pay major dividends over the course of a long day chasing the dream. These
series of stretches are simple, but effective.
Pass Thru Stretch:
Take your paddle and form a wide grip and begin passing the paddle over your
head from front to back. Each time you pass thru you should slide your hands
closer together. This will open up the shoulder and begin to warm up the muscle
along with loosening up the rotator area.
Flagpole Stretch: Take
a stakeout pole or a five foot piece of PVC pipe and hold it straight out in
front of you. Take your right hand and place it on top and bend your head down
toward your chest. This will again open your shoulders and loosen up your
lateral muscles. Once you have completed with the right hand switch to the left
hand.
Sampson Stretch: This
is a great stretch not only for the shoulders but also opens up the hip flexor.
Take the Paddle or PVC over head and go into a deep lounge. You will need to
flex your butt in order to feel the stretch in your hip flexor. It is also
important to try to pull the bar apart, while overhead. This will open your
shoulders and get them ready for your paddle.
This is my go to stretch and I perform it at the beginning, middle and
end of the day. I feel that hip flexors and shoulders are the most important
part of kayaking.
Air Squat: This
exercise is great to loosen up your quads and get the blood pumping in your
legs. To perform the exercise place your feet shoulder width apart and descend
until you achieve a parallel position. Keep your weight in the heals. Perform 10 air squats and on the tenth one
stay down and move side to side in the squat to loosen up the ankle. Note: If
you have balance issues use the side of your trailer or the bumper of your
vehicle to steady yourself while in the squat.
These stretches and pre-paddle warm ups will help you with
paddle efficiency and stamina. The more you stretch the better you will feel
when you come off the water. There are many great reasons to stay flexible. You
will reduce the chances of straining a muscle or disc that routinely happen
when turning over in bed; shoulder injuries that may be caused from lifting or
reaching; lower back aches that you get from bending over or walking up or down
stairs. Lastly, the ability to sit in different positions and place your body
in confined spaces for long periods of time and be comfortable, Kayak’s Anyone?
KEEP LIVING THE
DREAM!