Take advantage of a little extra time this summer and do these three things to help improve your sports performance this summer.
Oh the start of summer…
High school students everywhere have been dreaming about everything they want to do over the next couple months. You know, like build an energy efficient tree fort, get a tank top tan, learn to surf, hang out at Chipotle and so on.
Joking aside, the summer is also a great time for athletes to better themselves for next season.
Here are three easy ways to increase your sports performance this summer!
#1 Eat Breakfast
Now that it’s summer and you don’t have to sprint out of the house to make it to school on time, do yourself a favor and take the 2 minutes it takes to make some oatmeal, eggs, fruit and/or a protein shake.
While you’re at it, try and dial in some other healthy habits like drinking more water…
#2 Get Some Sun
Spending a little time hanging out in the sun allows your body to increase it’s vitamin D production. Vitamin D is important for your overall health and mood. Conversly, your x-box is only good for increasing your frustration and destroying real-life relationships with people.
If you forget how to play outside…grab a football and three friends and see what happens. After 20 minutes you will have created a new game and some vitamin D.
#3 Recover
Summer should be a time of rest and relaxation. You have less due dates and no cramming for finals.
Summer is understandably the most popular time of year for high school athletes to strength train. In between your training sessions, it’s important to make sure you’re taking the proper steps to recover. Recovery helps you get the most out of your training sessions!
Figure out whatever is realistic with your schedule, whether it is 20 minutes every day, or an entire hour to just relax. Use that time to take an epsom salt bath, read a book, draw, play an instrument or whatever activity allows you to shut down for a bit and recharge your batteries.
The amount of time spent relaxing is less important than the quality of the time you spend. Get in touch with your inner-self and become a hero in the weight room.
Let’s keep it straight…I do believe every high schooler should build a tree fort, but these three simple tips will give you a bit more energy for that too.
About The Author
Steve Sheppard is the head strength and conditioning coach at Skill of Strength. He specializes in working with athletes of all levels of competition and has a passion for using his knowledge to help his athletes reach their full athletic potential.
Steve holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Exercise Science from Endicott College. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Steve is also a StrongFirst Kettlebell Instructor (SFG), Hardstyle Kettlebell Certified (HKC) as well as a Sports Performance Coach through USA Weightlifting (USAWL1-SP).
For more tips and information on our sports performance training program at Skill of Strength, check out @SOSCompete on twitter and the Skill of Strength Facebook Page.