No Muscle

Here's a letter I got and the letter I replied back.  I hope you enjoy and learn something new!

Dear Katy Ice, 

I am writing you, because my coach wants me to start building more muscle and I can't seem to do it.  Nothing seems to work and its getting me mad and frustrated which is making my play bad.

I am working really hard at strengthening my whole body, but I never have time, because I am always at soccer practice.  My muscle isn't evening out.  I try doing exercises that I don't work out in soccer.  I have tried so many different things.

I also tear muscles at weird places.  I don't even know that well how to strengthen them.  I am very confused on what to do.  I want to be stronger, but I don't seem to get stronger.  Can you please help me figure out what I need to do to be a better athlete?

Sincerely, 

No Muscle

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Dear No Muscle, 

You are doing great at trying to work out muscles that you don't work out in soccer.  Eventually and hopefully soon you will start seeing a difference.  Sometimes it takes a while for muscle to show after you workout, but one day you'll be like, "Wow! I have muscle!" 

In sports you workout muscles you never knew you had.  Many of those muscles get stronger just from playing.  They get stronger, because you are always working them out.  In soccer you get lots of leg strength, because you are always using your feet and leg strength. 

To get that better muscle try picking up a new sport.  Maybe have your soccer team do recreational softball or another summer sport, but if they don't do it you still  should.  You will build muscles that have never gotten a workout like that and playing other sports helps you with your main sport.  You definitely will become a better athlete from it. 

If you don't want to do another sport play games that use your hands in soccer and go out and shoot hoops with a friend.  Always be doing something that gets you a workout.  You will be building your muscles and it will help them from tearing.  Make sure you are stretching before and after games too. 

This will also help you from tearing muscles.  When you tear a muscle you won't be able to play any sports or do workouts for a while.  Then once when you have recovered you will need to work on streghthing that muscle.

I hope your muscles will be showing improvement soon and I hope this info helps!  Also, don't ever be afraid to try something new, you may find out you like a lot. 

Sincerely, 

Katy Ice