Just like most anything else in life, if you want to be successful in your pre-season training endeavors, you need to follow a process. Not to worry if you don’t already have one in place as here are five of the most important steps you can take when it comes to your pre-season training regimen:
Step 1: Prepare Yourself Mentally
Although pre-season training is highly physical, it is definitely mental too. Therefore, it will help to prepare your mind for the tough training sessions that lie ahead. Get it motivated, inspired, and excited about pushing your body to the max and it will make pre-season much easier on you.
Step 2: Get All of Your Equipment Together and Ready
With your mind in its proper place, now is a great time to get all of your equipment together and ready. This includes workout gear, like resistance bands and running shoes, but it also means stocking up on your supplements and making sure you have nutritious food in the house to keep your body fueled.
Step 3: Prepare Your Training Schedule
Step three is when you should be preparing your training schedule. Decide how often you need to work out and put it on your calendar. The more you make it like an appointment, the more likely you are to keep it.
Step 4: Start Out at Half Pace
Although you may be ready to go all in, remember that you just came from your off season and your body probably isn’t as conditioned as it once was. For this reason, you’re best starting out at half the pace that you finished at to get your muscles and soft tissues used to working out again.
Step 5: Increase In Small Increments
Once you’re back into your routine, ramp things up in small increments so that each week you challenge your body a little more. For instance, you may decide to increase the resistance in your strength training routine or bump up your cardio a notch either in minutes or tension.
Follow these five steps and you will be well on your way to being season ready!
