1. Stretch
Before you do any workout, you NEED to stretch. We recommend not only doing the standard stretching where you touch your toes and hold your arm behind your head, we also recommend spending time doing dynamic stretches. Leg swings, arm circles, high knees, and butt kicks are just a few of the great way you can get your tendons ready to go. Once you’re finished with your dynamic stretches, consider going for a light jog for 5-10 minutes to get your heart rate up and your muscles warm.
Remember, don’t just stretch for your workouts, stretch a couple minutes before the mascot race too. You don’t want to be on the jumbotron and pull a hamstring mid-race!
2. Strength
Most mascots, racing or otherwise, use shoulder pads to support the weight of the mascot head. Even with padding, your shoulders and upper back will need to be sturdy. The best way to build these muscle groups up is with strength resistance training. We’re not looking to turn you into a bodybuilder, but we are building up your skeletal support muscles.
Variations of deadlift, shrug, and overhead press movements are a great way to make wearing a mascot harness less of a burden. There is no need to get heavy with these lifts, you’re just trying to get your muscles loose and use to moving around extra weight. It will take time before you see or feel results. So if you can, try to work these movements into your workout routine a couple of weeks before race day.