The Importance of Preparation: Lessons Learned from HoopFest
Hey Team,
This past weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in HoopFest—the world’s largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament. For anyone who’s experienced it, you know just how exhilarating and fast-paced the games can be. It’s a whirlwind of competition and a whole lot of fun.
However, I have to admit something… I didn’t follow my own advice regarding preparation.
Let me explain my journey leading up to the tournament. Just the Thursday before, I played in two full-speed softball games. I was running the bases as if I were still 18 years old, sprinting after fly balls in the outfield, and really pushing my body to its limits. When Friday morning arrived, I felt that all-too-familiar tightness and soreness coursing through my muscles. Instead of letting my body recover, I pushed on and drove to Spokane on Saturday morning, ready for two intense basketball games.
By the end of the first game, I could feel my calf tightening. In the second game, a sudden hard lateral move resulted in a sharp pull in my groin. And by the time the third game came around, I was all but done. My lateral movement had diminished, and my ability to contribute to my team was severely compromised.
I had been training, but I completely overlooked one crucial element: preparation.
The Key Lesson
Whether you’re playing basketball, hiking, chasing your grandkids, or diving into a new workout routine, it’s essential to recognize how your body responds to physical strain.
When the intensity of your activity exceeds what your body is prepared for, it can lead to breakdown. This often manifests in the form of:
Muscle strains
Joint pain
Inflammation
And worst of all, setbacks that hinder our ability to engage in the activities we love
Here’s the part that’s worth reflecting on: it’s not about being tough, but rather about being prepared. I ignored the warning signs of soreness, brushed aside my own training advice, and ended up paying the price.
How many of us do the same thing? We often jump into recreational sports after being sedentary all week, start new workout regimens without any clear plans, or disregard those annoying tight muscles and sore joints, assuring ourselves, “I’ll be fine.” We push through until something ultimately pulls, pops, or stops us in our tracks.
Avoiding the Same Mistake
To help steer clear of the pitfalls I encountered, consider working with expert personal trainers who can guide you to:
Build strength and flexibility around your vulnerable areas
Progress your workouts safely and intentionally
Recover more intelligently to prevent injury
Be ready for those spontaneous moments when it’s time to perform—without fear of injury
If you have a summer event lined up, are interested in a sport, or just want to maintain a durable and pain-free body, don’t wait for an injury to remind you of the importance of preparation. Reach out and let us help you get started on a tailored training plan customized for your age, body, and personal goals. Learn from my experience: prepare now, and you’ll be set to tackle your next challenge without fear of breakdowns.
To your strength and smarter training,
Rob
• The author, Rob Sumner, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and owner of Sumner Specialized Physical Therapy. He's happy to answer any questions about this article, wellness, fitness, or physical therapy overall by phone at (509) 684-5621 or by email at Rob@SumnerPT.com
