During the school year it is almost easy to keep in shape while playing your sport during season, team workouts, and being held accountable by your coaches and teammates.
The summer is just as important of a time but typically spent training and practicing individually. You are responsible for keeping up with your fitness. That comes with pressure but with focus and drive it is easy to do.
When you head into pre-season of your sport in-shape and prepared for your run test it shows your dedication and hard work. Coaches love to see their athletes come in ready to play and when you execute your fitness testing it gives you a leg up in your season.
Talk To Coaches About What Is Expected Next Season
If you are going to be playing a sport in college you will receive a workout package from your coaches. It is suggested that you follow this and keep up with the schedule of workouts. If you do this, there is no doubt you will go into practice day one, ready to go.
If you have a trainer of someone to help you stay on top of your workouts, they may suggest some other workouts or more on top of the set packet.
This is great.
Personal trainers, especially ones that have worked with college athletes before, know what they are doing. They have tricks that will push a little further than your packet and potentially get you in even better shape. Sometimes they will have a of college athletes that all workout together. This is great for accountability, and some competition to push you harder.
Keep Playing All The Sports You Can
That being said, you do not need a trainer to be in the best shape. They can be expensive and not possible for all athletes. One way to do even more than the packet is to focus on actually practicing your sport. Do your weekly workouts and at the end grab your stick, your soccer ball, basketball, or whatever it is and just play. This is good cardio and you will be getting better at your sport. This is just as important as staying in-shape.
Imagine coming back from a long break and your that much better at your sport than the season before. This could get you that start position you have been working for.
Be Organized And Make A Plan Each Day
Summer and vacations are full of planned and unplanned trips. Take time to sit down with your schedule and move around workouts when you need to. Plan to workout on trips and if you can't, find a way to do something smaller and move your workout packet dates around.
It is okay to miss a day every now and again, but focus on finding ways to make it work for your own schedule.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you don't know how to do a specific workout, coaches will love if you reach out and ask. It shows you are doing the workouts and focusing on the packet.
Pay Attention To Nutrition And Drink Water
The summer is a great time to focus on getting better physically. It gives you a great opportunity to dial in your skills as well. Be focused and strategic over your summer months and you will be well-prepared to dominate your pre-season or fall ball.
