Along with flowers, birds that have not been seen since fall, and the planting of vegetable gardens, spring also brings with it the annual company softball game. Although there are plenty of levels at which the game can be played, every player had to go through the never ending cold months of winter that kept them inside. For many, this also meant that getting in shape took a backseat to warming the bench, so to speak.

Preparation is critical

After several months filled with television and potato chips, without the proper amount of preparation for sports activities, everyone is more susceptible to common injuries that are normally easy to prevent. Even if you manage to drag yourself to the gym once a week or so, the chances are good that you are not concentrating on the specific exercises needed to show off your supreme style on the baseball diamond, such as speed work and arm strength. It is unreasonable to expect an arm which has spent five or six months doing nothing more strenuous than cleaning the snow off the car will be able to stretch effectively enough to throw a ball at maximum velocity.

A vital checklist

So, now you know that you need to get into some kind of pre-season shape. How are you going to do it?

• Get a short run in on days that it is possible. If you need motivation to keep you going, consider engaging the services of Upper West Side personal trainers.
• Spend at least five minutes every day stretching out your leg and shoulder muscles to maintain flexibility.
• Take the opportunity to play a simple game of catch with your children to keep up hand-to-eye coordination.
• If possible, make several trips to the local batting cage with personal trainers in SoHo to keep up your arm strength.
• Work with a Midtown West personal trainer to devise a workout routine and schedule that focuses on the skills you will need to successfully make the slide into home plate.
• Remember that your body has limitations that only you will recognize.