Squash Fitness - looking for pointers
Discussion
I've always wondered about this. I've done distance stuff in the past as well as HIIT but it never felt the same playing a racket sport like squash. I think the problem with running and cycling is that you're moving in one plane of motion so you can become really good at doing that but throw in some twists, sudden changes in direction or deep lunges, and you're f
ked. It just feels like a completely different fitness - not better or harder but different. As if having your bits all compressed up when you're really exerting yourself makes things different.
Am I talking nonsense?
The only time I've really felt a similar sensation is when I've done things like high rep power snatches, kettlebell swings or hang cleans.
ked. It just feels like a completely different fitness - not better or harder but different. As if having your bits all compressed up when you're really exerting yourself makes things different.Am I talking nonsense?
The only time I've really felt a similar sensation is when I've done things like high rep power snatches, kettlebell swings or hang cleans.
randlemarcus said:
My Dad used to play quite competitive squash. His secret seemed to be never moving more than half a pace from the T, and letting the other bu99er run around getting tired.
I've been told that's the way to compete. However, it doesn't really do much for your fitness. So be the other bugger and then dominate in other sports. When I play people of my age (and younger) at tennis and other sports I can see they are gasping long before I do...... because I'm utterly s
t at squash. I've played a lot of squash since a young lad, both team and individual.
I can't think of a better way to do 40 minutes of CV exercise than when playing someone of a similar standard.
Playing in a league or in regular team matches is great, playing different people really makes you have to think on your feet, I've never got bored of the game!
Running is the obvious for fitness but I also used to work ride racehorses for a local trainer which is a very good CV work out, highly underestimated and never been as fit as I was then.
I still play squash but not a regularly, it hurts a lot the next day if I haven't played for a while.
I can't think of a better way to do 40 minutes of CV exercise than when playing someone of a similar standard.
Playing in a league or in regular team matches is great, playing different people really makes you have to think on your feet, I've never got bored of the game!
Running is the obvious for fitness but I also used to work ride racehorses for a local trainer which is a very good CV work out, highly underestimated and never been as fit as I was then.
I still play squash but not a regularly, it hurts a lot the next day if I haven't played for a while.
I play squash and field hockey. The one helps with the other. It does leave one rather inflexible though, and I have been having trouble with back and referred pain in my legs.
Recently have gone back to indoor rock climbing, and the 3 sports together seem to be a really good match.
Not much help, but hey, this is PH.
Recently have gone back to indoor rock climbing, and the 3 sports together seem to be a really good match.
Not much help, but hey, this is PH.
Well I did a gym session this morning and instead of the usual treadmill session it was all on incline. I normally do part of the session on incline but this was running incline and boy did I suffer. Hoping to carry this on for a few weeks and then see some improvement.
The guy I play with is of equal ability but he often wins on stamina. This is what I'm trying to improve on.
The guy I play with is of equal ability but he often wins on stamina. This is what I'm trying to improve on.
Well I did a gym session this morning and instead of the usual treadmill session it was all on incline. I normally do part of the session on incline but this was running incline and boy did I suffer. Hoping to carry this on for a few weeks and then see some improvement.
The guy I play with is of equal ability but he often wins on stamina. This is what I'm trying to improve on.
The guy I play with is of equal ability but he often wins on stamina. This is what I'm trying to improve on.
Hoofy said:
Would have thought that with the lunges with squash it would have made you more flexible?
In my experience not - it seems to build muscle that in turn causes inflexibility. Climbing on the otherhand is a superb flexibilty thing. I can't be arsed with yoga and pilates etc, so climbing is like yoga with a point.bearman68 said:
Hoofy said:
Would have thought that with the lunges with squash it would have made you more flexible?
In my experience not - it seems to build muscle that in turn causes inflexibility. Climbing on the otherhand is a superb flexibilty thing. I can't be arsed with yoga and pilates etc, so climbing is like yoga with a point.I do a lot of leg work (lunges in sports as well as abstract leg work eg squats) especially compared to the average person but when I lead a fitness class and do deep side lunges, few people are able to get as low as me. Deep side lunges:
Note: both heels on the floor. Actually, the guy above isn't that low. I can actually sit in this position for ages whereas I suspect the guy above is having to hold himself up due to a lack of flexibility so he's actually using his thigh muscles to stop himself falling backwards.
Edited by Hoofy on Saturday 7th November 17:41
The trouble is I cannot be arsed to stretch. I know I should, and I know yoga would be good for climbing and hockey and squash, and pushing a wheelbarrow and all those life things. But I can't be bothered. But I love climbing. It's been the singly the best thing I have ever done in life. I have had more 'experience' on a cliff than almost anywhere else. I've played international hockey, and it's almost dull compared to the thrill of a hard move a long way above gear, on an exposed bit of rock.
So, sorry, yes a slight thread derail, but what a way to stretch.
So, sorry, yes a slight thread derail, but what a way to stretch.
bearman68 said:
The trouble is I cannot be arsed to stretch. I know I should, and I know yoga would be good for climbing and hockey and squash, and pushing a wheelbarrow and all those life things. But I can't be bothered. But I love climbing. It's been the singly the best thing I have ever done in life. I have had more 'experience' on a cliff than almost anywhere else. I've played international hockey, and it's almost dull compared to the thrill of a hard move a long way above gear, on an exposed bit of rock.
So, sorry, yes a slight thread derail, but what a way to stretch.
Ha. Well, you're going to stretch if it stops you requiring scraping off rock below you.So, sorry, yes a slight thread derail, but what a way to stretch.
maxxy5 said:
The best way to improve fitness for a sport is to play the sport, or break it down into movements etc. Improving on a treadmill won't make you a better squash player, it will make you a better treadmiller.
Indeed, he won't be beating you with stamina, it will be by playing shots you can't retrieve or you making mistakes. If all else fails drop one in the corner then play the next few shots in that direction....... Edited by j80jpw on Sunday 8th November 19:34
maxxy5 said:
The best way to improve fitness for a sport is to play the sport, or break it down into movements etc. Improving on a treadmill won't make you a better squash player, it will make you a better treadmiller.
But will it improve your fitness in any way? I'm convinced that it wouldn't but it's only from the way I experience things. Unless you start running sideways with deep lunges every 10 seconds?Years ago I had coaching which was all drills, drive and boast, drive / boast / cross court, I can guarantee that 40 minutes will have you breathing out of your arse, and it is sport specific, a decent coach will put you under far more pressure than in a match.
You can do stamina work off season but the only way to get squash fit is to get on court and work hard
You can do stamina work off season but the only way to get squash fit is to get on court and work hard
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