The offseason is a time for athletes to get their much-needed break and then get back to work to gain that extra edge on their competition. The gym is a great way to build a better physique for your sport…but endless machines and repetitive lifts can get boring and even lead to an eventual decline in motivation. To combat that, try these 5 activities to train in the offseason and mix in with the gym to keep your routine interesting.

Become a Multisport Athlete

If you have the talent to become a multisport athlete, use it. Playing two sports in high school or college athletics is one of the best ways to stay in shape and is something only some have the ability to do. In addition, using one sport to increase your ability in the other sport is extremely beneficial (for example: using track to increase your speed and acceleration for football or soccer). Using another sport to stay in shape will keep your routine interesting, keep your competitive spirit up, and can prove to be a great part of your success.

Related: 3 Benefits of Cross-Training for Athletes

Intramural Sports

Like being a multisport athlete, intramural sports are another great way to stay in shape and improve your abilities for one sport through another without all the added pressure of elite competition. Most colleges will have many to choose from including some nonconventional sports like spikeball or the regulars like basketball, volleyball, and more. Any intramural sport is a great way to work on your abilities such as cardio or work on more specific abilities like reaction time or jumping depending on the sport.

Related: 5 Fun Holiday Activities to Stay in Shape Over Break

Pickup Games

Staying on the topic of sports, pickup games with friends can be a great way to stay in shape during the offseason. Pick a day of the week, get friends to your athletic center or field of choice, and get a game going. Any sport will do whether it's your sport of choice or a random one you want to try. Playing pickup will give you friendly competition, a routine, and the much-needed work to stay in shape all while you are enjoying hanging out with friends.

Swimming

Sorry to all collegiate swimmers as this one doesn't pertain to you, but swimming is an extremely good way to stay in shape during the offseason for virtually every sport. Swimming works more than enough muscles so that you will be sure you are in shape when the offseason is over without a lot of wear and tear on your joints. In addition, many find swimming relaxing and enjoyable. The best part is most colleges have a swimming pool in the athletic center with open swim hours for you to enjoy.

Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits

Yoga

No gym is needed to get a good stretch in–yoga can be done anywhere from inside your room to outside on the grass. Yoga stretches your muscles keeping them loose, works on core strength, and increases muscle strength. Additionally, a yoga routine is calm, relaxing and doesn't have to take too much time if you have a busy schedule. If you are a college athlete, yoga can be essential to staying healthy and is one of the best activities to stay in shape outside of the gym in the offseason.

The gym is a great way to stay in shape during the offseason. Mix it up with these 5 activities to keep your routine interesting, your motivation up, and to stay in top shape so that when it is time again for the season, you have the extra edge.
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* Originally published on December 6, 2022, by Scott Abramson