Oh the start of summer…
High school students everywhere have been dreaming about everything they want to do over the next couple of months. On the list may be things like building an energy-efficient tree fort, striving to get a tank top tan, learning to surf and eating at Chipotle as much as possible.
Joking aside, the summer is also a great time for athletes to better themselves for next season. Obviously, we strongly believe that athletes should train hard during the off-season this summer preparing to have their best season(s) yet next year, but let’s also talk about a few ways that athletes can improve their sports performance this summer outside of participating in a sports performance training program.
Three Easy Ways to Improve 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
Sure, we think you should get in shape this summer, but 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 to recharge your batteries.
Yup, get in touch with your inner-self and you just might become a hero in the weight room!
Takeaway
Let’s keep it real here… I do believe every high schooler should build a tree fort {and train hard, especially in the off-season}, but these three simple tips will give you a bit more energy for that too!