The best way to make an immediate impact after summer break is to come back to campus fit. This is especially evident in sports like field hockey and soccer, where most college teams have tests to evaluate the fitness levels of their players. Crushing your fitness test is the perfect way to impress your coaches and teammates from the first day. Here are 6 ways to conquer your summer fitness packet:
- Create a schedule at the beginning of each week
Fitness packets can be overwhelming, so sitting down on Sunday or Monday and planning out when you will complete your workout for each day will allow you to plan the rest of your week around your workouts. I personally prefer to knock out my workouts at 7:00 every morning, but every person has their own preference!
- Follow your packet. Even the rest days.
Following the structure and schedule of your fitness packet is crucial. The schedule likely imitates what the schedule of your training will be like, so following the schedule of your packet will help you get used to the workload and timing. Most importantly, don't forget about rest days. Your body needs the break, and they are listed in your packet for a reason. Coming back to campus fit doesn't count for anything if you're injured or fatigued.
Related: 5 Reasons to Take Rest Days Seriously
- Don't forget about nutrition and sleep.
In order to perform to the best of your ability and stay mentally and physically healthy, you will need proper sleep and nutrition. Summer fitness packets require plenty of energy, so make sure you are eating properly and getting a sufficient amount of sleep every night.
- Know your body, but push yourself.
Finding a happy medium between pushing yourself and knowing when you physically cannot do something is perhaps the hardest part about working out on your own. The best advice here is to listen to your body. If you finish one of your workouts on a hard day and feel that you can do another set, do it. Pushing your own personal limits and the goals that your coaches set for you is a great way to see how much more you have left in the tank But, if your body is telling you you can't finish a workout, that's important to recognize as well
Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits
- Check in with your teammates and coaches.
Do not be afraid to ask for help. Your teammates are going through the same thing as you, and checking in regularly can give you that reassurance that you will get through this together. Your coaches have coached many athletes over the years, so they might have tips if you're struggling to get through the packet. Be sure to reach out!
- Remember your why.
Finally, when you are doing each workout, remember why you are doing that workout. When you are halfway through a 5 mile run at 6 am on a July morning, visualize yourself scoring the game-winning goal in overtime in September. Every workout you do has a purpose, and keeping this purpose in mind during every workout will serve as a great motivation.
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* Originally published on May 27, 2022, by Macy McHale
