No matter which sport, competition or race you compete in, there is always a time to take a break. Some refer to this phase between competitive play as the “off-season,” – but others prefer postseason. The main thing to remember is that although it might feel like a season off from work, it’s an opportunity to buckle down and train your body hard. And though it might not always seem like it, training during these quiet periods can bring you closer than ever before to reaching your goals.  

At Hensey Sports, we understand that off-season athletic performance training increases your potential and is the foundation for personal growth. Staying in competitive shape is easier than getting back into it. To maintain competitive performance, it’s important to continue training during the off-season.  

Here are some tips you can use to maintain your sports training during the off-season. 

 Set a Goal

The off-season is crucial for athletes to recuperate and prepare for the next event. However, sometimes staying motivated through hard work can be difficult without a plan to follow. It’s important to set long-term, short-term, and even daily goals to help keep your mind in the right place as you work out. 

Consider the sport

The sport you are playing has a role in determining endurance, speed, and strength. In addition, the sport can determine the work to rest ratio, the peak load the body should take and many other factors. Off-season training will prepare a person for the conditions a player expects to face during the regular season of play.

Consider past injuries

It’s imperative to pay attention to any previous injuries because you will have to be ready to attend to them during your winter months. So before you set goals for the off-season, ensure that they’re in line with taking care of any weaknesses and issues you’ve come across previously, such as attending physical therapy.

 Keep an Eye on Your Nutrition

Your body will only put out what you put into it. For this reason, nutrition is an important element of any training program. Whether you’re preparing during the season or off-season, your body needs the right fuel. The problem is that there’s a lot of conflicting information about what makes a good nutrition plan. Your body has a specific caloric need to reach your goals, and it’s integral that you pay attention to that when planning your diet.

Also, it’s important to stay properly hydrated if you’re working out. Drinking water is probably the easiest way to ensure your body gets enough water every day! The best way to approach your nutrition plan is to work with a sports dietitian. Remember, there is a difference between a nutritionist and a dietician, so ask questions to make sure you’re going with someone who has arrived at their title honestly.

 Practice Mobility Work

There are two types of flexibility. Passive flexibility is something that gymnasts and contortionists emphasize. It gives them the power to bend in many different ways, more than most people can. Athletes only need this level of flexibility in some cases. Most other athletes need a greater range of motion (ROM) and control over stability instead, enhancing mobility through developing ROM across the active or available range of motion for speed, power, strength and stamina.

One way to focus on mobility is to spend time working through a comprehensive hip mobility routine. 

 Stay Consistent While Training

It’s the off-season, and it can be quite hard to keep on top of your training. A tip for staying fit throughout this time is to set some attainable goals for yourself. Summer brings a lot of fun activities – it can be easy to slip up because you’re enjoying yourself so much you forget about all the workouts you were supposed to be completing! Having a friend in your corner or a professional sports coach who will push you along is important, especially if you have work or school commitments that keep you from making regular trips to the gym.

 Reach Out to Athletes

A lot of work goes accordingly for an athlete through all seasons. Our professionals will help you create an off-season athletic performance training workout that prepares you for the next season. Contact us today to schedule a trial. 

Source URL: https://henseysports.com/