Taking care of my body was a priority when I was playing soccer. Your body was the means of your job, so I had to do everything in my power to stay healthy and fit. Unfortunately, injuries did happen to me, but I felt that there was nothing I could do and I did everything in my power to be a good pro and to take care of myself.

In sports, injuries will happen. You want to do the best you can to prevent injuries and that is by taking care of yourself day in and day out. In the article, I give you the 3 things you should focus on to do your best to prevent injury.

1. Strength and core

The core muscles will allow you to jump, shoot, tackle, pass dribble, etc, which are important in Soccer. Your core is what needs to be strong and will help give you a better chance of not getting injured. Injuries are going to happen and I want to make sure you do as much as possible to avoid injuries. Strength and explosive work should take priority, and I give you workouts that can help in our Fitness Friday's segments.

2. Nutrition

What you put in your body is what you get out. If you decide to put garbage in your body, you will get garbage out. Drinking soda and junk food will make it difficult for your muscles to be strong enough to perform at your best. Proteins, Good Carbs, fruits, veggies, etc. These are the foods that have nutrients and will help you perform at your best. You have to commit and stop making excuses for why you aren't doing the things you should be doing! This is your career, what are you going to do to be a success?

3. Recovery

Take care of your body and you will reap the benefits. Recovery is important because you're putting your body through intense training. Making sure you stretch, foam roll, massage, and ice bath. These are the things all pros do day in and day out. If you want to perform at your best and be scouted by coaches, recovery is what will be a part of you immersing yourself in your soccer career.