BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) – As football and basketball seasons ramp up across Louisiana, fitness experts in Baton Rouge are using National Injury Prevention Day, observed Nov. 18, to draw attention to the growing number of sports-related injuries impacting young athletes.
With an estimated 5 million high school sports injuries occurring nationwide each year, trainers say now is the time for parents, coaches, and players to refocus on safety.
Local personal trainers Rick Stevison of Planet Fitness and Christopher Atkinson, both based in Baton Rouge, are partnering to offer practical guidance for preventing injuries—particularly those affecting the neck and spine. They emphasize that even simple conditioning routines can significantly reduce the risk of cervical spinal cord injuries, a serious concern in high-impact sports such as football.
“With football season in full swing, young athletes are pushing their bodies harder than ever,” said Stevison. “Our goal is to show them how to strengthen the right muscle groups, warm up properly, and avoid preventable injuries.”
Atkinson adds that education is a key part of safety: “A lot of injuries come from poor form or skipping warm-ups. We want to give athletes easy, accessible ways to protect their bodies—whether they’re using gym machines, working out at home, or practicing on the field.”
During their injury-prevention demonstration, the trainers plan to walk athletes and families through:
-
Common injuries seen in high school sports.
-
Targeted exercises to support the neck, back, and core.
-
Stretches and warm-ups proven to reduce strain.
-
Beginner-friendly gym equipment that supports safe training.
-
At-home workouts for athletes without gym access.
-
Typical recovery times for common sports injuries.
Their goal is to provide guidance that is both practical and adaptable—helping athletes of all levels reduce their chances of getting hurt.
High school football remains one of the most popular and physically demanding sports in Louisiana. Trainers hope this initiative will reach families ahead of the playoff season.
“This is really about being proactive,” Stevison said. “Injury prevention doesn’t just help you avoid setbacks; it keeps you performing better throughout the season.”
Latest News
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
link