Off Season Training

The Season’s Over, Now What? How to Keep Up Training

For the past few months your after-school life has revolved around practice, practice and more practice. You’re on top of your game, feeling great and certainly getting in the activity you need to be healthy. Suddenly the season is over, there are no more sports and you’re not sure what to do. You could go into a post-season slump, letting go and relaxing. Or, you could keep training – on your own schedule.

It’s tempting to spend your after-school (and weekend) time watching TV, playing video games or just hanging out with friends. That’s okay. You’ve spent the last few months working hard, and you deserve some relaxation. That said, trading training for 12 hours a day of computer game play isn’t healthy. If you want to stay in shape and keep your body ready for the next sports season (which will also help you to stay physically fit and healthy), ditch the idea of totally trading exercise for everything that’s less active.

What can you do after the season is over to continue training?

• Talk to your coach before the season ends. He or she may have ideas for training activities or be able to set up a post-sports schedule for you to follow.
• Walk instead of ride. Mom could give you a ride to school – or, you could get in some added exercise by walking.
• Stick to a schedule. Whether your coach gave you a post-season schedule or you’ve created your own routine, don’t start skipping out on your plan. Arrange other activities around your schedule, making your workout just as important as it was during the sports season.
• Try another sport. You don’t have to go all in and join a second varsity team. An intermural activity or neighborhood league can keep you active, help you learn new skills and make training more manageable.
• Find a buddy. During the season you had teammates by your side. This meant having friends nearby and a support system. If that seemed to make training easier (or, at least more fun), keep it up after the season’s over. Talk to a teammate or a friend who’s interested in exercising, and ask them to workout with you. The two of you can hang out and motivate each other to keep going.
• Ask your family to help. Mom and dad are there for you. Talk to your family if you need some spurring on when it comes to getting out there and training. Maybe invite them to join, having a weekly family soccer game can be very fun and healthy for everyone.
• Keep a log. During the season you had a schedule and knew exactly when practice was. You had a set number of hours over the course of the week – on specific days, at specific times. Now that you’re on your own, it’s easy to forget how much you’ve done and when. Keep a journal or add a note on your smart phone every time that you train. This helps you to see how much you’re doing (or not doing).

You’ve spent the past season working hard. You’re at the top of your game and are looking forward to next year’s games, meets or matches. Even though you can take training down a notch, relax a bit and have some fun, getting physical activity during your down time is still a must-do. Taking some time off from organized athletic activities doesn’t always mean that you slump into a couch potato. Stay busy, stay active and workout with a friend. Make your post-season plan enjoyable, getting in your training while still staying social.