“If you’re healthier, you can train more.”
That powerful statement from China McCarney, Vice President and CFO of Jaeger Sports, sets the tone for this important conversation about arm care, athlete health, and sustainable performance.
In this episode of When the Cleats Come Off, Ashley and China dive into one of the biggest challenges facing athletes today: the growing number of arm injuries across youth and competitive sports. Together, they explore why consistent arm care routines are essential for athletes who want to train, compete, and perform at their highest level.
The conversation also expands into the mental side of performance, highlighting how physical preparation and mental clarity work together to support long-term success.
Why Arm Care Is Often Overlooked
Many athletes spend hours working on their skills but overlook the routines that help keep their arms healthy.
China explains how skipping proper preparation and recovery can place unnecessary stress on the arm over time, increasing the likelihood of injury. For throwing athletes especially, arm care needs to be a consistent part of training rather than something athletes think about only when soreness appears.
Building strong habits early can help athletes stay healthy and perform longer.
Health Allows You to Train More
One of the key ideas China emphasizes is simple but powerful: healthy athletes can train more consistently.
When athletes take care of their bodies, they give themselves more opportunities to practice, develop their skills, and improve their performance. Injuries interrupt that progress and can slow long-term development.
By prioritizing health and recovery, athletes give themselves the best chance to continue improving.
Building a Consistent Arm Care Routine
China also shares practical guidance on how athletes can make arm care part of their everyday training.
Instead of viewing arm care as an occasional activity, athletes should treat it as a regular component of their warm-up, throwing routine, and recovery process. These consistent habits help support mobility, strength, and durability over the course of a long season.
The Mental Side of Training
The conversation concludes with an important reminder that performance is not only physical — it’s mental as well.
China discusses how athletes can develop a clearer mindset when they compete, helping them stay present, focused, and confident during games. When physical preparation and mental training work together, athletes are better equipped to perform under pressure.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
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Why arm care is essential for throwing athletes
Protecting one of the most important tools in the game. -
How consistent routines help reduce injury risk
Building habits that support long-term development. -
Why healthy athletes improve faster
Training more consistently without setbacks. -
How to incorporate arm care into everyday training
Making preparation and recovery a priority. -
How mental clarity helps athletes perform better
Staying focused and confident in competition.
About China McCarney
China McCarney is the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Jaeger Sports, an organization dedicated to helping athletes develop healthy throwing habits and sustainable training routines. Through his work, China helps athletes understand the importance of arm care, recovery, and mindset in building long-term performance and durability.
Connect with China:
- Instagram: @china.mccarneyÂ
