How to stay in shape when your athletic season is over

Summer is rapidly approaching, and with those warm, endless summer days in mind, most thoughts aren’t centered around keeping in shape during the off season.

It is easy to forget about all the hard work that went into your last sports season and to simply live your summer like a normal teenager, but when the season comes back around, you don’t want to have to start the training process completely over.

Staying in shape during the off season doesn’t have to be a hassle or take up the entire summer. By making smart choices everyday and putting in a bit of work every week, maintaining one’s athleticism this summer can be easy, affordable, and fun.

Eating healthy

Eating healthy doesn’t mean only eating vegetables and fruit. It also doesn’t mean you have to cut off your favorite foods entirely. Here are some recommendations to sustain a healthy lifestyle all year round.

Want a snack? Instead of always reaching for a bag of Lay’s, go for some watermelon, pineapple, peaches, or strawberries. These fruits are in season during the summer, so they’ll be extra sweet to satisfy a craving. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, combine them all in an ice cold smoothie.

Lacking protein or looking for a balanced meal? Treat yourself to a classic breakfast of eggs and bacon with a pancake on the side. If you’re looking to dine out, Metro Diner offers quality meals for good prices that touch base with all the food groups.

Fast food calling your name? Waffle fries from Chick-Fil-A are a classic favorite, but occasionally it is a good idea to switch fries out in favor of a fruit cup, Greek yogurt parfait, or salad. You don’t have to give up fries entirely, just replace them every once in awhile to balance out your diet.

Working Out

Finding time to work out during the summer may seem like a hassle, but exercising for one hour, five days a week is more than enough to maintain your physique during the off season.

Looking for a gym?  If you’re searching for a place where you can work out without the stress or cost a large gym brings, Crunch Fitness offers base membership for $9.95 a month.

Gyms not your style? It’s perfectly okay not to feel comfortable working out at a gym. There are many other ways to incorporate exercise into your daily routine.

Sports activities: Grab some friends and play a game with a ball, bat, frisbee, or lacrosse stick and have some fun while staying fit.

At home weight training: Pick up a few dumbbells, play your favorite music and build muscle in the comfort of your home.

The great outdoors: Go for a jog, explore your local area, stop for an ice cold treat afterwards, the choice is yours. A friend in attendance is highly recommended.

Talk to your coach: If your team offers conditioning later in the summer, it is in your best interest to attend so that you can train and get in shape (if you’re not already) before the season starts. If no conditioning is available, emailing your coaches for workouts and suggestions will greatly improve your exercising habits.

Technique

Practice the little things, even just for a few minutes a day, so you don’t forget motions entirely.

Whether you focus on holding your bat at a particular angle, keeping your posture and form for a sprint, or shooting hoops to keep the muscle memory intact, remember to practice with enough frequency that you do not lose the hard work you put in during your season.

Grab some teammates: If your coach isn’t available for team conditioning, your teammates are great workout partners because they are familiar with the way the team functions.

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