Support for athletes' flexibility, muscle strength, and recovery

Training in professional javelin throwing requires as much flexibility as muscle strength. Just ask our corporate coordinator Freddie, who represented Great Britain at the Junior World Athletics Championships and won national titles both as a junior and U23 athlete.

Freddie explains that javelin training is quite varied:
– "I spend 5–6 hours a week at the gym doing strength training, and about the same amount of time on other exercises, such as overhead medicine ball throws and one-arm overhead throws. As a javelin thrower, I of course spend time throwing, but not as much as people might think. We don’t throw every day."

The athlete explains that throwing puts a lot of strain on elbows, shoulders, and back. Therefore, javelin training is limited to only two to three days a week. He often finishes training sessions with gymnastics:

– "Besides being fun and challenging, gymnastics training provides great value for javelin throwers. It helps develop balance, flexibility, upper body strength, and core stability all in one session!"

To balance his sports commitment with work life, Freddie trains in the mornings before work. He saves double sessions for the weekends. He has also discovered an extra benefit:

– "Morning training actually keeps me sharper throughout the day."

How did Freddie discover his love for javelin?
– "As a child, I first discovered I had a talent for throwing when I threw tennis balls over the roof with my two brothers. There was something fascinating about seeing a tennis ball flying over the house out of nowhere," he recalls.
– "My older brother joined the local athletics club, so I went along to watch. The week after, I decided to try it myself – and I got hooked! I was about 9 years old then."

Freddie uses Aarja Health’s supplements daily.
– "I take Magnesium3 every day in the evening with a small snack. I find it easier to fall asleep, and I feel much more rested in the morning. I’ve also noticed a huge difference in recovery after training."

In addition, the javelin thrower uses several other Aarja products, including Vitamin C 500 with zinc and chaga, Vitamin D3 + cranberry, Collagen with pine bark, as well as Curcumin with ginger and B12.

– "Both vitamin C and D3 help me prevent colds and minor illnesses. Collagen has helped me with joint pain after many hours of training. Curcumin has been very good as a natural anti-inflammatory supplement."

He admits that muscle fatigue is normal with so much training during the week.
– "It’s important to have the right training load and not overdo it," advises Freddie.
– "We try to avoid injuries at all costs. Working on the small supporting muscles and doing preventive exercises is the best way. We try to be proactive about injury prevention, not reactive when problems arise. I regularly go to physiotherapy and massage. But I believe good sleep and proper recovery are the most important here."

Focus is absolutely crucial during competitions.
– "Of course, I can get a bit nervous during big championships," says Freddie.
– "I work with a sports psychologist to develop various techniques that help me stay calm and relaxed. For me, nothing hinders performance more than a stressed mind and a tense body. In the days before a big competition, I try not to think too much about it. I just try to keep everyday life as normal as possible."

Aarja Health is proud to support athletes like Freddie with our health-promoting supplements.