INSPO Fitness Journal July 2017

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Winning is in SIGHT Optometrist reveals the key to improving sporting performance. Have you ever wondered why some people seem to have a natural sporting edge? Almost as if the game moves in slow motion for them, allowing them to maintain impeccable focus and precision. It’s the kind of focus that allows Roger Federer to see a ball flying towards him at 200km/hour from 20 meters away and hit it back, when the average person would be lucky to even see the ball coming. While it may seem superhuman, studies have proven that this superior visual accuracy is often a result of a practice known as Vision Training. “From hand-eye coordination to peripheral vision, sight has a huge impact on sporting performance,” explains Paterson Burn Optometrists Sports Vision specialist, Ryan O’Connor. “If you’re practising and training but don’t seem to be progressing, an underlying vision problem could be the cause.” The eyes have it: Your vision could be hindering your performance, says Paterson Burn Optometrists’ Sports Vision Specialist, Ryan O’Connor. Common signs of vision problems among athletes include inconsistent performance, such as performance changing between day and night, trouble focusing on moving objects, and a gradual loss of focus during a game. “While many athletes and coaches put these performance problems down to a lack of practise or an ‘off day,’ very few stop and think that their vision could be the root of the problem,” Ryan cautions. “I’ve seen athletes who have been frustrated by non-optimal performance for years and have tried all sorts of solutions, without ever considering having their vision checked.” The good news for athletes is that Vision Training works to combat these performance impairments, often with rapid and noticeable improvements. “Vision Training equips athletes with training tools to help them to identify problems in their game and improve their visual abilities” says Ryan, who administers sports vision training for professional and amateur athletes across the Waikato region. Eye on the ball: A keen rugby player himself, Ryan has a passion for helping athletes optimise their vision for better performance. Advertorial The process typically begins with Ryan visiting a team training session or watching an athlete in action to see how they perform. This is followed by a comprehensive eye exam, the result of which guides Ryan in developing a tailored training programme. “Every programme I put together is different,” he explains. “Each exercise is tailored to the individual’s needs, sporting code and problem areas.” Sessions can include pattern recognition exercises to improve visual memory, training for improving peripheral vision and reactions, and completing simple vision tasks under increased stress to replicate high pressure situations. Programmes typically span 10 weeks and include a combination of sessions at a Paterson Burn Optometrist’s practice and at-home sessions. “Athletes often have very busy schedules so we do our best to ensure the programme can fit easily into their everyday lives.” While he won’t promise his patients Federer-like sporting domination at the end of their training, Ryan is confident in the power of Sports Vision training to improve performance and overall game satisfaction. “You don’t have to be an Olympic level athlete to benefit from vision training. A 10- week programme can make a huge difference in performance at any level.” BLUE CARD introduced to club rugby Concussion is currently one of the biggest talking points in the national game of rugby. As a result, provincial unions, in association with New Zealand Rugby, are introducing the Blue Card Initiative into the game. The Blue Card Initiative is to assist and ensure players’ welfare is a priority. If a referee suspects a player has suffered from concussion, that player will be issued a blue card by a blue card-trained referee. The player will then follow the Graduated Return to Play protocol and must be cleared by one of the participating GPs before they can take the field again. Referees have completed a thorough training session with a medical professional to help identify symptoms of a concussion. “Referees are not doctors, so they are not diagnosing a concussion they are just suspecting a concussion to that player,” says Waikato Rugby Union operation manager Bill Heslop. For some players concussion has affected their careers on and off the park and a few have even seen their careers cut short. “It is a great initiative, it is clearly an issue that needs to be taken more seriously and our referees have been great throughout the communication and education process,” says Waikato Rugby Union referee education officer Michael Winter. “Referees will ensure player safety is paramount. If they see a player that has suffered a knock to the head, the referee will make the decision to whether that player can remain on the field or not. From June 3 referees were able to issue suspected players with a blue card and that player will be required to follow the Graduated Return to Play protocol.” Grades affected by this initiative are the Premiership, Championship, Division 1, Under 85s and the Women’s competitions throughout Waikato. 46 <strong>INSPO</strong> – FITNESS JOURNAL JULY <strong>2017</strong>
The Out and About photos are also posted on our Facebook page: facebook.com/inspomag Jump online to tag yourself and your friends! This page is proudly sponsored by Fairview Mazda P 08 849 9899 | www.fairview.co.nz B4505H OUT AND ABOUT HILLCREST HIGH SCHOOL ACTION Lyanne Eukaliti, Year 13 Athletes from Hillcrest High School made a strong showing at the school’s annual sports exchange with Rosehill College. Hillcrest retained the hotly contested shield, winning seven of the 11 games played. Hong Zhang, Year 13 Oliver Duke, Head Boy ▼ SETTING THE PACE St Peter’s athlete Bennet Greenhough proved himself top of the field, winning the New Zealand Champion U14 Boys' NZ1 BMX title. ▲ CARO CUP More than 100 of Waikato’s junior swimmers (aged 13 and under) enjoyed a fantastic day of relay racing at the recent Caro Cup Relay Challenge against Auckland. Whilst the team didn’t manage to claim the cup this year, they made an impressive showing in the pool, showing 100% commitment to their racing and in their support of their team mates. The team was supported by coaches Alison Fitch and Helen Barr, and 27 team managers who all volunteered their time to support this annual event.
Page 1 and 2: Waikato Edition JULY 2017 Fitness J
Page 3 and 4: CONTENTS JULY 2017 On the cover 8 C
Page 5 and 6: Looking to buy... SCRAP GOLD ANY CO
Page 7 and 8: FUTURE’S SO BRIGHT... If you want
Page 9 and 10: Local and accessible isn’t theref
Page 11 and 12: Photos by Gareth Jones For more inf
Page 13 and 14: Raglan MTB Track: Raglan has an awe
Page 15 and 16: do something that is going to make
Page 17 and 18: cause you to avoid social situation
Page 19 and 20: DON’T DO Engage the shoulder and
Page 21 and 22: mind and body working together. I s
Page 23 and 24: 4 4. Warrior 3 pose - Virabhadrasan
Page 25 and 26: Happy body - HAPPY LIFE When it com
Page 27 and 28: Lodge Cheers to Champions Advert OC
Page 29 and 30: BOOK CORNER Take some time out to e
Page 31 and 32: All of this is doubly true for wome
Page 33 and 34: Have you considered exercising IN W
Page 35 and 36: IS YOUR LEAKY BLADDER LIMITING YOUR
Page 37 and 38: BEAUTY SPOT This is Neat When it co
Page 39 and 40: ask how you are today or when you t
Page 41 and 42: out in each accommodation is the ba
Page 43 and 44: WIN Treat your palate to a tasty tr
Page 45: GROW your own food Whether you enjo
Page 49 and 50: Raise your hand if you think sunshi
Page 51 and 52: Part of the family for over 40 New

INSPO Fitness Journal July 2017

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