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Top exercise tips from Dublin GAA star Philly McMahon

Mon, 25 July 2016

Top exercise tips from Dublin GAA star Philly McMahon

1. Stretching/Mobility

Stretching is a huge part of my daily routine with Dublin GAA. I would focus on all the key muscle groups and would spend at least 20 minutes a day stretching. It is a key part of injury prevention and no matter what type of physical activity you are involved in, don’t neglect this important area. If you can, I would invest in a foam roller which is excellent at relieving tightness and soreness in muscles after exercise.

2. Nutrition

Your body is like an engine and unless you put the right fuel in there, you are not going to get the results you want. I love protein pancakes so I'm hooked on them as a breakfast. Favourite lunch would be something high in protein and minerals such as a tuna salad. The John West range of no drains, twists and fusions are so handy to use and come in great flavours. I eat on average 3 meals per day and On training days, I would look to increase my carbohydrate intake.

3. Hydration

It is so important to stay hydrated during the day. This can be quite difficult for people who are either out on the road or busy going from meeting to meeting. I would bring a water bottle or shaker with me at all times in case I can’t get access to water or know that I will be in a lengthy meeting. You should be looking to drink at least two litres of water per day.

4. Skills

To become better at any type of sport you need to practice, there is no substitute for it. I would spend a lot of time working on all aspects of my game including kick passing, hand passing and marking my man. I would advise any person to write down the areas they want to improve on and focus on each one as best you can. Over time you will begin to see small improvements in all these areas which will lead to a significant overall gain.

5. Mental Preparation

Whether you are just thinking of getting active or have a good routine already, I think having a goal to go after is so important. We all have our own motivation for exercise and when it becomes harder after a few weeks, it is important to reflect on why you are doing this. If you do happen to miss a session or two, don’t be too hard on yourself, just get back on the horse and start enjoying it again. Exercise needs to be enjoyable.