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[Bruce]

I kept wicket for the first time in about 3 years on Sunday, I use the gym and squatting is one of my fave things to do.

Well after 34 over as of keeping, I ache. Lots.
I normally have a boot camp style class that I do on Tues/ Thurs and some Saturdays, This involves lots of hill running, body weight squats and core strength exercises and I could not face going today.

My thighs feel as if they are hanging off my leg that sort of uncomfortable feeling you get when you strain a muscle etc.

I'll probably be keeping a fair bit this year, as I enjoy it and also theres no one else that had done it before.

Any ways of keeping this discomfort down at all?

Thanks

[richthekeeper]

Think of it in pure numbers.

34 overs = at least 204 body weight squats over a 2 hour period. Combine that with a few sprints, dives, sidesteps and general jogging around and that's going to be some serious work-out for your thighs!

Keeping is a bit like bowling - there's not much that can prepare you for it other than doing it. The more you keep, the better it will be. Warming up prior to the game is probably a good idea though, and work on your core muscles for stability.

[dhackett89]

NO! first two to three weeks are dreadful then you will get used to it. I tried doing a month or so of gym work to build up to it, but kept 90 overs this weekend and couldnt put my shoes on this morning! it's strange how you think a load of squatting in the gym would be more demanding but no ache is quite like the first weekend of keeping!

[Dan W]

As I'm in a similar position, can somone give me some reassurance you get used to the pain in the hands?! A few times on Sunday I thought I might take my palms to a knocking in machine to toughen them up!

[RoCo Da Pixie]

Your hands being bruised is something I have never encountered. Thighs are something that takes 2 or 3 weeks for your legs to get used to all the squats. then you will be fine from there.

As Rich has said doing all the squats and movement has made your thighs go into a shock and you will have to live with feeling like an old man for a few days, Come the weekend you will be ready to go through it all again.

[thecord]

I have found that the hands do generally toughen up over time and any pain, swelling, bruising is minimal as long as you are employing a decent technique and using decent kit.

[Bruce]

.... Come the weekend you will be ready to go through it all again.

Oh goody! 
That said, In really did enjoy it. There was no pressure on me, no one expeted me to do it well!

the first time I kept, I had Dukes club kit gloves and pads, My hands bruised up badly. Got asked to do it for the year and bought some decent gear, never has happened again.

[Jagminder]

Warming up prior to the game is probably a good idea though, and work on your core muscles for stability.

In addition to the above, do a lot of Stretching - before and after the game. - a Protein shake after game should help.

Jag.

[richthekeeper]

Good one Jag, I usually have a diet protein shake after a game to aid muscle repair. You can also buy recovery shorts/tights from companies like under armour / skins if you continue to struggle.

The hand pain/brusing I've commented on before, quite simply the right combination of quality equipment and sound technique will eliminate this. My hands do seem to bruise less than some of the other lads who keep in my club, but that might be down to my years of goalkeeping. In any case you should very rarely be feeling pain in the hands, and if you are then improving your technique is the key to minimising this!

Remember, as a WK you're not "catching" the ball you're "receiving" it.

[Simmy]

i usually hurt first few games! but because ive been playing indoor cricket and keeping ive been using the muscles all time so now im all good

but ill get worse with age i guess!

[Ryan]

I kept a couple of years back for simmy while he was off and for the next two days couple walk! my thighs were aching and struggled to walk up stairs lol

last year i kept for a game and was fine, no problems at all (well apart from a broken finger). I think it was down to keeping in training and my muscles getting used to squatting.

[cricketbadger]

a tip i read about (think it came from Paul Nixon) and i have used this pre season, is squatting whilst you go to the toilet and hovering other the seat,instead of sitting down lol.
did this for a few weeks before the start of the season and the aching has not bene anywhere near as severe as in previous years

[Ryan]

haha, i like it. Cant cee simmy doing it mind.

[Manormanic]

squatting is one of my fave things to do.

*insert oooh matron comment here!*

[Bruce]