Injuries? What injuries?

I was playing badminton last night when a few of my friends and I started a discussion about injuries on the court.

We were all bandaged up in someway-- ankles, wrists, knees. Occasionally we'll ask each other for advice on what we should do to fix ourselves up. We get the same usual answers: ice it, wrap it up, warm-up for a longer period of time, stretch it out...but it all boils down to the same conclusion:

You have to let it rest. For at least a few weeks...maybe even a few months.

We sat in silence for a few seconds...then burst out laughing.  No way in HELL are we going to stop playing--it just doesn't happen. I've known people who are bandaged on every joint on their body, but they refuse to stop playing!

Injuries seem to bond players like war-stories...we've all gone through rigorous training, played the wrong way, played so much to the point that we should really stop but we don't... and somehow those stories bring us together. It's endearing, really, but you have to remember that taking care of your body is the most important part to being an athlete. Sure, it feels fine now, but if you keep injuring yourself and don't allow your body time to heal, then you could be looking at more permanent injuries that could hurt your badminton career long-term.

My brother had injured both of his knees a little while back, and chose to continue playing. It got to a point where he could barely walk without pain, and he ended up having to rest for 6 months to let his knees heal properly.

So remember next time when you're on the court and you start wincing in pain: Take the time to warm-up properly and cool down properly. Bring a proper brace, and make sure you ice that area as soon as you get home. If your injury gets worse, make sure you consult a doctor and give your body a little break to heal before you get back on the court.

Happy playing!

Richmond Night Market

Have you been to the Richmond Night Market?

I went for a short road trip this past weekend, and ran into this little shop:

Badminton Pro Shop? Yonex, Li-Ning and Victor shirts....1 for $15, 2 for $25. Too good to be true? You tell me. 

They don't have a huge selection for girls, unfortunately, but they carry a few designs that I've only seen online for men. My brother walked away with two pairs of shorts (Yonex), but I can't help but be a little skeptical...

Any Canadian readers want to enlighten me? 

(PS: The nightmarket is amazing. Go check it out!)