Young athletes’ offseason training options

Summer vacation and holidays from school present opportunities for young athletes to take well-deserved breaks from their sports. However, staying in shape during the offseason can help athletes maintain their performance when a new season begins.

Many sports have clearly defined offseasons, while others are a bit more vague. Complicating the issue even further is that some athletes play in multiple leagues. That means they be committed to play for school teams, all-star teams or even travel teams. This can shorten, if not eliminate, traditional offseasons.

According to the fitness experts at the International Youth Conditioning Association, all young athletes should have some form of an offseason. Time away from competition can be used to focus on improving movement patterns, building general strength and conditioning and recovery. Time off also gives the body and mind a break from the stress of competition.

But athletes need not spend an entire offseason resting on their laurels. Here are some offseason training tips that can ensure athletes recover without compromising their ability to perform once a new season begins.

• Emphasize new activities to avoid overuse injuries. Josh Adams, a certified strength and conditioning specialist with Children’s Health Andrews Institute Sports Performance, says focusing on one sport all year can lead to overuse injuries. Opt for a new workout that’s different from your inseason workout routine. Doing so can strengthen other areas of the body and reduce risk for overuse injuries.

• Focus on new interests to avoid mental burnout. Young athletes can get stuck in a competitive groove, feeling that they have to win to be successful. The offseason can be used to provide a mental rest during which athletes can focus on interests other than sports.

• Emphasize aerobic training. The IYCA reports that most young athletes do not realize the vital role aerobics play in building the stamina that powers high-intensity work intervals sports play often requires. Taxing the cardiovascular system helps deliver oxygen to working muscles and boosts performance. Athletes can spend the offseason cycling, running and swimming to benefit their bodies and give some muscles a break.

When it is time to return to competitive play, athletes won’t need as much time to return to in-season status if they continue training during the offseason. According to Sports Fitness Advisor, when a training stimulus is removed, physiological adaptations begin to revert to pre-training levels. By maintaining a fitness level training schedule that’s between 50 and 60 percent of their in-season regimen, athletes can return to their sports with much less effort than if they were to start from scratch.

The offseason gives athletes a chance to back off of intense competition and training, but continue a fitness regimen that helps them get back into game shape more quickly when play resumes.

MENTOR PUBLIC LIBRARIES Main Library

8215 Mentor Ave. Mentor, OH 44060 (440) 255-8811 Mentor-on-the-Lake

5642 Andrews Rd. Mentor-on-the-Lake 44060 (440) 257-2512

Headlands

4669 Corduroy Rd. Mentor, OH 44060

(440) 257-2000 www.mentor.lib.oh.us

Egg Hatching at the Library March 1 until the eggs hatch Children’s Area, Main Branch Come visit the chicken eggs that will be hatching in the Children’s Area of Mentor Public Library’s Main Branch. The library will have an incubator set up and visitors may even get to see the eggs hatch. After the chicks hatch, they’ll stay at the library for about a week before relocating to their forever home.

Write a Letter to The Cat in the Hat

All March Children’s Area, Main Branch Kids can write a letter to their favorite book characters at Mentor Public Library. The library will feature a different character children can write to or draw a picture for each month. The library’s favorite letters will be shared on its social media. Finger Paint Fridays Fridays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Headlands Branch Kids can explore their creativity with fingerpainting every Friday at the Headlands Branch. The library will provide paper, paint and aprons. This activity will largely be self-directed with limited assistance from staff. Registration is not required; but, space is limited, so children may need to wait their turns.

Family Favorites Story Time Fridays at 11 a.m., except March 3 Main Branch All ages will enjoy stories, music, rhymes and a craft. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Spring into Storytime Saturdays at 10 a.m. Headlands Branch Enjoy a fun exploration of stories and song. Structured for Pre-K kids but all ages welcome. Registration required.

Headlands Take & Make Craft Headlands Branch Pick up supplies for crafts that kids can make at home. For children ages eight and younger. While supplies last. New crafts every Monday.

Puzzle Packs Children’s Department, Main Branch Kids (Pre-K to third grade) can pick up printable puzzles to take home with them. While supplies last. New puzzles every month.

Travel Club Wednesday, March 1, at 4 p.m. Village Room, Main Branch Kids (ages six to 12) can experience a new country without boarding a plane. Make a craft, have a snack, and enjoy activities from a different country every month. Registration required.

Let’s Cook with Kids Wednesday, March 1, at 6:30 p.m. Headlands Branch LaDonna Oltmanns from Let’s Cook – a plantbased mobile cooking school – will lead cooking classes for children (ages eight and older.) Registration required. Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss Thursday, March 2, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Main Branch Kids can celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday with games, activities, a scavenger hunt and take-home crafts inspired by his popular picture books. The library will also host a Seuss-pendous story time at 10 a.m. It’s open to kids of all ages. No registration required.

Pixel Perfect Video Game Club Thursday, March 2, at 4 p.m. Children’s Story Time Room, Main Branch Kids (ages eight to 12) can enjoy age-appropriate games on Switch and Wii U. They’re also encouraged to bring along mobile devices to play Minecraft on. Registration required.

Egg-cellent Facts Thursday, March 2, at 4:30 p.m. Village Room, Main Branch Mentor Public Library is hatching chickens this spring. Jess Nestor from Meyer Hatchery will be here to discuss the process and answer any questions that kids may have. She may even have some pictures of her own baby chicks. Registration required.

LEGO at the Library Saturday, March 4, at 11 a.m. Village Room, Main Branch Kids (ages five to 12) can rock the blocks on the first Saturday of every month. No registration required.

Grab-N-Go Seasonal Crafts Starting Monday, March 6 Lake Branch Pick up supplies for seasonal crafts that children can make at home. While supplies last. St. Patty’s Day Green Screen Monday, March 6, walk in from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. The HUB What’s greener than a green screen? Enjoy a St. Patrick’s Day photo shoot using The HUB’s studio. Walk-in only; no registration required.

Sight Word Game Day Monday, March 6, at 4 p.m. Village Room, Main Branch Kids (kindergarten through third grade) can practice sight-word recognition and other reading skills with fun and exciting games. Registration required.

Master Builders Wednesday, March 8, at 4 p.m. Lake Branch Kids (ages five to 11) can build with LEGO blocks, magnetic tiles, magnet sticks and Brain Flakes. New themes will spur creativity each month. No registration required.

Little Peeps Wednesdays, March 8 or 15, at 5 p.m. The HUB Kids (ages six to 11) can make little wooden Peeps for their Easter baskets using equipment from The HUB’s makerspace. Registration required.

Firehouse Friends Story Time Thursday, March 9, at 10:30 a.m. Children’s Story Room, Main Branch Join Mentor Firefighter Rollin for a fun story time featuring plenty of safety tips.

Mar10 Day Friday, March 10, and Saturday March 11 Children’s Area, Main Branch Kids of all ages can celebrate everyone’s favorite pixelated plumber with the library’s Mario-themed games. Jump super high on the Mario Party course. Win a prize when you complete the scavenger hunt. Don’t forget to take home a craft.

Headlands Jeopardy Saturday, March 11, at noon Headlands Branch Kids can test their trivia know-how and learn something new with a fun afternoon of trivia challenges. Signup required to play.

ROBLOX Saturday Saturday, March 11, at 2 p.m. Headlands Branch Join the library online or in-person for a different game from ROBLOX each month. Register to get in the game.

Shamrock String Art for Teens Saturday, March 11, at 2:30 p.m. Village Room, Main Branch Teens can make cool and crafty Shamrock String Art. Registration required.

Volunteer Day Mondays, March 13 and 27, at 2:30 p.m. Village Room, Main Branch Teens can earn volunteer hours while helping your library. The library is looking for volunteers to help package seeds for its seed library and perform other important tasks.

Paint What You Hear Thursday, March 16, at 4 p.m. Village Room, Main Branch Kids (ages six to 12) will listen to a variety of music genres and create art based on what they think, hear and feel. Dress for a mess. Registration required.

Catch a Leprechaun Friday, March 17, at 2 p.m. Lake Branch Kids (ages five to 10) will build a trap and try to catch a leprechaun. They’ll also enjoy other St. Patrick’s Day activities and a snack. Registration required.

Saturday Family Story Time Saturday, March 18, at 10:30 a.m. Lake Branch Children of all ages (along with an adult) can enjoy stories, music, rhymes and a craft at the library’s new Saturday story time. Bird Feeder Craft Monday, March 20, at 6 p.m. Headlands Branch Kids and adults can make and decorate bird feeders using recycled materials – just in time for migration. Registration required. Dungeons & Dice Club Tuesday, March 21, at 4 p.m. Village Room, Main Branch Heroes (ages eight to 12) can join an adventuring party and write their own destiny in the library’s new tabletop gaming club. Become a fierce barbarian or powerful wizard. Take on a premade character to explore dungeons, fight monsters and save kingdoms. Game supplies and character sheets will be provided. Registration required. Spring-Scented Playdough Tuesdays, March 21 or 28, at 4 p.m. The HUB Kids (ages three to 11) can make fresh

smelling playdough and decorate its container using The HUB’s Circuit. Registration required.

Geometry in Motion Wednesday, March 22, at 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. Village Room, Main Branch Dance instructor Tom Evert will integrate movement and geometry using improvisation and dance. The program is free. Registration is required. The 1 p.m. session is for kids ages five to nine. The 2 p.m. session is for kids ages 10 to 14. The program is possible because of a Libraries Accelerating Learning grant from the Ohio Department of Education. Cooking with Kim Wednesday, March 22, at 4 p.m. Village Room, Main Branch Learn basic cooking techniques and make simple no-cook snacks. Open to kids, ages eight to 12. Registration required.

Curious Kids Wednesday, March 22, at 6:30 p.m. Headlands Branch Each month, curious kids will flex their creativity and learn about their world with arts, crafts and STEM activities in the library’s new club. Registration required. Mythical Nightlights: Vampires, Fairies & Mermaids Thursdays, March 23 or 30, at 5 p.m. The HUB Kids (ages six to 11) can create a nightlight featuring

one of their favorite characters of myth. Registration required. Kidshow Saturday, March 25 Great Lakes Mall Make a craft at Mentor Public Library’s table from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the annual Kidshow at Great Lakes Mall in Mentor.

Happy Birthday to You! Saturday, March 25, at 11:30 a.m. Headlands Branch Have a birthday this winter? Celebrate at the library. Enjoy party games, a homemade card, special gift, and a cupcake. Sign up required. Drawn In To Graphic Novels Book Club Saturday, March 25, at 2 p.m. Headlands Branch Tweens and teens (ages 12 to 17) can explore history with some of the best graphic novels created. Each month, they’ll discuss a different historical fiction graphic novel. In March, they’ll talk about “Trinity,” a history of the first atomic bomb. Book club members will receive their own journal where they can write, draw, and share their stories with the group. Registration required.

Peep Dioramas Monday, March 27, through Friday, April 7 Children’s Area, Main Branch Kids and their families can recreate their favorite scene from a book, movie or even historical event using Peeps. Pick up a kit from the Children’s Department at the library’s Main Branch. Entries will be accepted from March 27 to April 7. Afterwards, the library will display the dioramas and patrons can vote for their favorites. One kit per family, while supplies last.

MORLEY LIBRARY

184 Phelps St. Painesville, OH 44077

(440) 352-3383 www.morleylibrary.org

All events take place at Morley Library unless otherwise indicated. Registration not required unless indicated. For more information and registration, go to www. morleylibrary.org or call (440) 352-3383. Little Learners Tuesdays, 6pm and Thursdays, 10:30am Ages 4 – 5 years Calling all preschoolers who will start kindergarten in Fall 2023: Get ready for kindergarten through games, songs and stories! Practice being away from caregiver, listening to a teacher and working in a classroom setting. Children will attend without caregivers, but caregivers must remain on the Children’s floor. Travelin’ Tots Fridays, 10:30am Ages 2 – 5 Geared toward ages 2-5, little ones will travel the world through stories and songs in this very active storytime. Learn about kids around the globe, get ready for school and have fun! Caregivers stay in the room during the activity.

Holi Hai! Crafts & Games Saturday, March 4, 11am – 2pm All ages Join us on March 4 to learn about the ancient Hindu holiday (observed on March 8) and have fun with colorful crafts, painting, tie dye and color play, as supplies last! All are welcome to this family event. *Dress for mess!*

Women Of Science Saturday, March 11, 10:30am Ages 3+ March is Women’s History Month! Join us on the children’s floor to celebrate women in science. Kids can participate in several different science experiments, build a crazy catapult, design a LEGO bridge, and create a coffee filter craft.

Kids & Canvases: Raining a Rainbow Wednesday, March 15, 4:15pm Ages 6-12. Registration required. Have fun with painting and let us take care of the mess! Meet us in the Project Room on the 2nd floor for a fun, relaxed art class where your imagination is the limit. Dress for mess, as acrylic paint will not wash out of clothes. Please only register the child who will be painting.

Paws 2 Read Thursday, March 16, 4pm – 6:30pm For grades K-3. Registration required. Young readers can relax and read to a therapy dog in a cozy, pressure-free environment. Sign up for your 15 minute time slot in person or by phone at (440) 352-3383, ext. 200.

Unbirthday Party Saturday, March 18, 10am – 12pm All ages Is today your birthday? No? Great! Come celebrate your very merry unbirthday with us on the 2nd floor! Make and decorate party hats, dance to music, and enjoy party treats! Saturday Craftacular! Saturday, March 25, 10am – 4pm All ages Celebrate National Craft Month on the Children’s floor with craft stations, a community craft, and a special take-home craft!

Baby Craft: Watercolor Tree Footprint Tuesday, March 28, 11am Babies (not yet walking) & caregivers. Registration required. Your baby won’t stay small for very long, so let’s create a beautiful keepsake to remind you of how tiny Baby’s feet are now! We’ll have pre-painted watercolor treetops ready, and you’ll dip your baby’s feet in paint and apply them to the paper to create an adorable masterpiece. Come dressed for mess! Please only register the baby or babies attending.

WILLOUGHBY-EASTLAKE PUBLIC LIBRARIES

Eastlake Public Library

36706 Lake Shore Blvd. Eastlake 44095 (440) 942-7880 x. 105 Willoughby Public Library

30 Public Sq. Willoughby, OH 44094 (440) 942-3200 x. 104 Willowick Public Library

263 E. 305 St. Willowick, OH 44095 (440) 943-4151 x. 116 (440) 516-0843 TTY Willoughby Hills Public Library 35400 Chardon Rd. Willoughby Hills, OH 44094 (440) 942-3362 www.welibrary.info

Homeschool CPR and First Aid

Children and their parents will learn how to respond to crisis situations, recognize the signs of cardiac arrest and perform CPR from Valerie Woods, LPN, certified by the American Heart Association. Ages 7+. Friday, March 3, 1 pm Willoughby Hills Public Library

Teen Gaming Club Make friends and play video or board games provided by the library, bring your trading card games to play against others. Grades 6-12 (Ages 11-18). Saturday, March 4, 2 pm Willowick Public Library

Music and Movement Join us for Music and Movement followed by an optional opportunity to socialize and play with toys provided by the library. Ages 2-5. Saturday, March 4, 3 pm Willowick Public Library

Khin’s Craft Corner Make a craft with Miss Khin from the comfort of home! A new prerecorded video will be available monthly. Mondays, March 6 Online via Zoom

Zoom Adaptive Storytime Children of all ages & abilities are welcomed to this interactive, inclusive storytime specifically designed to support varying developmental needs. Tuesday, March 7, 6:30 pm Eastlake Public Library

You Too Can Homeschool Considering another option of education for your children, but unsure of what other choices may be out there? Homeschooling may be just the right solution for your family. Find out by joining Charlette Ruf, a Homeschool Consultant and Coach, and Ohio Licensed Intervention Specialist. Tuesday, March 7, 6:30 pm Willoughby Public Library

Willowick Family Yoga with Miss Ginger The family that flows together grows together. Join us for a yoga class designed with the whole family in mind. Ages 4+. Please bring your own yoga mat. Tuesday, March 7, 6:30 pm Willowick Public Library Homeschool Wednesdays Join us for a series of programs aimed at helping homeschoolers. Prepare for spring planting season with a Seed Saving Workshop presented by Danielle Jacobs of the Cleveland Seed Bank. We focus on activities that allow students to be creative, explore interests, and learn new skills. We encourage teen homeschoolers to meet and collaborate with one other on shared learning experiences. Open to grades 6-12 (ages 12-18). Registration is encouraged and walk-ins are welcome! Wednesday, March 8, 2-4 pm Willoughby Public Library

Family Movie Night at the Hills Watch movies recently released on DVD up on the big screen. Doors open at 3:30 pm with the movie starting at 4 pm. Wednesday, March 8, 3:45 pm Willoughby Hills Public Library Rescue Readers In 20-minute sessions, emerging readers will gain confidence, improve skills, and provide soothing company to cats and small critters as they await adoption at Lake Humane

Society in Mentor. Thursday, March 9, 3-5 pm Lake Humane Society Homeschool First Chapter Book Club Each month, we’ll read aloud the first chapter of a new book and enjoy a hands-on activity inspired by the featured story. Copies of the book will be available for check-out, so you can continue reading at home. (Ages 5-12). Friday, March 10, 1 pm Willoughby Hills Public Library Community Helper Storytime – Police Officer! Join us for a storytime where we celebrate Police Officers and all the hard work they do. We will be singing and dancing with a local Willowick Officer who will be available to answer questions for the kids. Saturday, March 11, 10 am Willowick Public Library

Family Book Club Reading and discussion group that invites families to read a book together, either aloud or individually. Join us each month for a discussion about our selection, along with crafts and activities for the whole family. March Book: Pax by Sara Pennypacker Saturday, March 11, 1:30 pm Willoughby Public Library

First Chapter Reading Club Join us for a reading and discussion group that introduces school-aged readers to different subjects and genres each month. Through read-alouds, first chapter book tastings and group discussion and play, we’ll help young readers find their next favorite book. Grades K-5. Monday, March 13, 6:30 pm Willoughby Public Library

Teen Coding Project Complete a small coding project! Wednesday, March 15, 4 pm Willoughby Hills Public Library

Homeschool Thursday Children ages 6-12 will enjoy learning about specific subjects. Space is limited. Thursday, March 16, 1:30 pm, 3 pm Willoughby Public Library

Homeschool Trivia Children 6-12 will learn about various topics during a fun, no-pressure trivia game! Space is limited. Friday, March 17, 1 pm Willoughby Hills Public Library

How to Win at Checkers Join Richard Beckwith, Checkers Grandmaster and President of the World Checkers Draughts Federation, as he teaches game strategies through demonstrations and discussion. Ages 12-18. Refreshments provided. Saturday, March 18, 12 pm Willoughby Public Library LEGO Club We provide the LEGOs; you provide the imagination. Saturday, March 18, 1:30 pm Willowick Public Library, 263 E. 305th St., Willowick, 440-943-4151

Spy Training for Kids Come to a secret training mission! We will decipher codes, navigate a laser maze and more top-secret training exercises. Monday, March 20, 6:30 pm Willoughby Public Library

W-E Library Boosters Spring Book Sale Thursday, March 23: Member Preview Sale, 5-8 pm ($5 bag sale-books only) Saturday, March 25: Public Sale, 8 am-5 pm ($5 bag sale-books only) Sunday, March 26: Public Sale, 12-4 pm ($5 bag sale-everything except DVD’s) 38115 Euclid Avenue, Willoughby (Adjacent to Willoughby Library) Family Play Group Winter weather really puts a damper on play. Come spend the morning playing with us. Gather your friends and hang out at the library. Toys, books, and manipulative toys will be available in the storytime room for everyone to hang out and play with. Friday, March 24, 11 am12 pm Willowick Library

Learn and Play Chess Club All ages and skill levels are welcome. Enjoy playing against people of various experience levels, in a friendly environment. An excellent opportunity to learn strategies and develop skills. Saturday, March 25, 12-4 pm Willoughby Public Library

Willowick Spring Fling Carnival Celebrate the start of spring at the Willowick library. We will have crafts, and games for the whole family. Wednesday, March 29, 6:30 pm Willowick Public Library

Author and Illustrator Visit: The Domino Effect by Karen Rocco and illustrated by Betsey Burrell The Domino Effect is about a little girl’s imagination and the journey it takes her on. Lauren loves the life of a dog and would like to be as carefree! Join us to see what happens! Author Karen Rocco will read the book aloud as the illustrations are projected on the screen. Ages 4-8 Thursday, March 30, 2 pm

Children from the Fairport Harbor Public Library art club show off their creations. Discover more about Fairport Library’s weekly story times, book clubs, anime club, dungeons & dragons club and other events on the library’s website fairport-lib.libcal.com/calendar. The library is located at 335 Vine Street in Fairport Harbor. You may register for any event on our web calendar, by phone at 440-354-8191, or in person at the library.