fit info

Is there a fitness subject that you would like to know more about? If so, email me at cpkarkow@sportswestreno.com and let me know! I'll be happy to find out some info and post it here!
Christine

October 7, 2007

Think Like an Athlete

PFT 101: Applying the principles of athletic training in your daily life just might provide the focus you need to succeed.

by Kay Cross, MEd

From IDEA Health & Fitness Association

Today's athletes have all the resources needed to perform their best. Many college campuses are outfitted with athletic complexes that provide all the necessary staff and " stuff ": the right atmosphere, an appropriate learning space, the best training equipment and the latest technology, as well as skilled nutritionists and tutors. A built-in support system defines practice days and hours, study periods and time off. Athletes rarely have to think about what to do next; their schedule is determined for them.

I vividly remember my high-school days, when I played volleyball and basketball, then decided to sacrifice them both to be on the dance team. Those days were some of the most exciting and physically demanding ones of my life. My teammates and I danced until we thought our bodies would fall apart. But we were fabulous. We practiced, practiced, practiced—hearing the broken record of “Do it one more time” from our sponsor. To a great extent, I credit those years as an athlete for the discipline, endurance, time-management skills and drive I have today.

The life of an athlete is demanding and focused, and the rewards are many. But what about your life? Without a coach or sponsor to guide your steps, how do you figure out where to go next? What do you want to do, and how do you do it? How do you pace yourself? How do you lay out a plan to achieve the life and career you want?

Learning to apply athletic training principles in your life can provide the focus and purpose you need to achieve your present and future dreams. Taking the following three steps can help you come out a winner:

  • 1. Identify specific performance goals.
  • 2. Design a tailored program.
  • 3. Apply proven training methods.

Identify Specific Performance Goals

Motivating people to do what is needed in order to achieve what is desired is the most challenging coaching job of all—even if the one you are coaching is yourself! For athletes to maintain motivation, they must see a purpose to their training strategy. So the first step in thinking like an athlete is to identify your needs and specific performance goals—and to make sure the program you are following matches those goals.

Four of the performance goals athletes typically aspire to achieve are endurance, strength, power and flexibility, all of which are necessary in life as well as in sports.

Endurance. Endurance provides the ability to withstand hardship, such as long work days and sleepless nights. It allows you to stay focused when you’re exhausted and to put one foot in front of the other when you’re weighed down by problems beyond your control.

Do you tend to flit from one goal or job to another, thinking, “This one will make me happy,” when what you really need is staying power? Endurance requires patience, character and faith, and can be developed only through practice, focus and discipline. Endurance is a worthy goal to strive for.

Strength. What area of your life is in need of some strength? Perhaps it is your marriage, your relationship with your teenage child or ill parent, your career as a coach or trainer (learning to challenge clients, uphold policies, etc.)? To build strength, you must practice strength-building activities: get enough sleep; schedule downtime; work on your goals; and build your confidence by learning new skills.

Power. What circumstances in your life require you to have power? You undoubtedly need to exert control, authority or influence over others from time to time.Do the people in your life view you as powerful? Is someone causing you to feel powerless? Choose activities and actions that will develop your personal sense of power, such as taking charge of a volunteer project or fundraiser in your community, or taking lessons to master a new skill.

Flexibility. Any athlete knows that lack of flexibility can lead to physical injury. In a similar way, inflexibility in life can lead to other types of injury (hurt feelings, damaged relationships, anger and aggression), in addition to limited performance. Do you suffer from any of the following causes of inflexibility: tunnel vision, or the inability to see all your options; an overcrowded schedule; too many commitments; poor boundaries (letting work creep into personal time and vice versa); and sheer exhaustion? If so, what can you do to stretch yourself?

Next week, we'll go into detail about Designing a Tailored Program to reach your goals, athletic and otherwise!

Past SWAC Fitness Info Articles