Beyond Training

Breathing to WIN

2010-12-21T21:53:00.000-08:00

You can improve your performance if you let your mind control your heart and Lungs!

The ability to relax helps us cope more effectively with really tough situations in competition. Instead of focusing on how bad you feel you just need to relax and focus on our breathing. Do this and you'll have a better chance of continuing the competition at the pace you desire.

Scientific studies support the idea that mental strategies can improve exercise capacity. This means that it is in your MIND! Try this ... Close your eyes and take 10 deep breaths as slow and deep as possible while feeling only your lungs expand and contract, nothing else. Do you feel relaxed? Well you can perform a similar version of this during competition. The next time you feel yourself "Hyperventilating" during a competition, focus on your lungs taking in as much air as possible. You will slow your heart rate down to a more manageable pace.

Focus: A Key to Success

2010-12-09T23:10:00.000-08:00

Do you have the ability to focus on command? Follow this 5 steps to clear your mind:

1. Decide What You Really Want to Accomplish

2. Write Out Tasks That Will Help You Achieve What You Want

3. Write Out Unessential Tasks You’ve Been Doing

4. Start Doing Only the Essential Tasks

5. Begin Enjoying Your Increasingly Clear Mind

Competition vs. Practice

2009-10-21T10:35:00.000-07:00

A balance of the practice and performance mindsets are necessary to achieve your full athletic potential.

Practice is a time to strive for perfection and focus on improvement. Use self-coaching techniques to improve your ability.

Competition is a time to have complete confidence in what you have trained to do, a reactive mindset, the ability to win ugly or just get the job done without regard to how it gets done!

Think about this for a minute, have you had the wrong mindset at the wrong time before? Most likely, YES.

For in the future, take the time to make sure you have the right mindset, prior to tightening that last lace on your shoe, putting the helmet on or even getting in the water!

For more information on mental toughness and athletic development go HERE.

The Freedom to FAIL!

2009-10-13T21:22:00.000-07:00

Here is a great quote: "There can be no real freedom without the freedom to fail." -Erich Fromm

This couldn't be more true! Success comes from people who fail over and over again. Failure is where true learning happens. So don't have a fear of making a mistake, because if you do it is the same as being afraid to succeed!

Your Mindset

2009-06-18T13:43:00.000-07:00

There is a quote by Wayne Dyer that states: "What we think determines what happens to us, so if we want to change our lives, we need to stretch our minds." Take a few minutes to think about this. If we want positive things to happen to us, then doesn't it just seem right to visualize that positive thing in our mind first?

Forward this to a friend if you think they could benefit from this post.

Choices

2009-06-16T23:38:00.000-07:00

When you think about it... No, REALLY think about it, your whole life is made up of thousands upon thousands of choices. Once you make a choice, you can't undo it either. I come across athletes her and there that think that the coaches don't like them or whatever excuse they are making up at that time. When really it was a laundry list of bad choices that they have made. These choices can be as simple as not giving 100% effort, not showing up to practice on time, or even socializing during practice when the coach is trying to teach the team something.

So think a little more about the effect of hundreds of minor choices you make in comparison to the goals you are trying to accomplish.

Seeing Is Believing!

2009-06-01T09:24:00.000-07:00

Over the years I have seen this all to often with athletes in general ... "Not believing in themselves." Now a big part of the problem is that they truly can't see themselves as a successful athlete. They will state that they want to accomplish something, but it is very hard to get there if that person can't visualize the new "ME." To accomplish this it takes a severe amount of OPTIMISM, FOCUS and most importantly BELIEF in ones self!

Action Plan: Start visualizing success in your mind as if you are watching a movie play on a TV with you starring as the lead role in a film about the "Successful You!"

If you have any questions about this topic email me at: ryanb@championsquest.com

2009 Summer Camps -- Register Now!

2009-05-06T22:33:00.000-07:00

Now Enrolling Summer Camps for Athletes!

CAMP DETAILS & REGISTRATION Forms: http://cqsummercamps.blogspot.com

About Us:
Champion's QUEST is the premier sports and athletic performance academy dedicated exclusively to young athletes. Our goal is to help every athlete achieve top performance. We combine the most comprehensive and effective athletic performance program with technical sports skill development. Our highly regarded Peak Performance Programs are customized for each athlete and are guaranteed to improve athletic speed, strength, agility, endurance, and mental toughness. Our Sports Performance programs increase technical skills with seasonal camps, weekly clinics, and professional individualized coaching.

Every Champion’s QUEST athlete has a powerful success story!

About the Camps:
All camps are Mon-Fri either 9-12:00p, 12-3:00p or 1-3:00p.
We offer Speed Camps, Volleyball Camps, Soccer Camps & Football Camps.

Schedule before June 15th for the Early bird Special Price of $129 (a $20 savings!) Act now to reserve your spot!
Call to ask about our multiple camp discount!

Yours in health & confidence,

-Ryan Bishel
Champion's QUEST
562-598-2600
ryanb@championsquest.com
www.youtube.com/cqathleteacademy
www.coachryanbishel.blogspot.com

Baseball basketball crew cross country diving football golf hockey lacrosse soccer softball swimming tennis track volleyball water polo wrestling ice skating

Beyond Training: Squeeze the Sponge!

2009-05-03T01:07:00.000-07:00

Beyond Training: Squeeze the Sponge!

2009-05-03T01:04:00.000-07:00

Beyond Training: Squeeze the Sponge!

Squeeze the Sponge!

2009-04-29T08:10:00.000-07:00

Ok, so what does "Squeeze the Sponge" mean?

Well I'm talking about "Effort." All to often I see athletes just going through the motions, which will cause a plateau in their performance. In order to progress as an athlete, all of the quick & explosive movements need to be pre-programmed into your neuromuscular system at 100% effort. Let me explain, if you perform 5 20yd sprints at 75, 80, 78, 95, 89% effort, then that is what you have pre-programmed into your system for "Game Day." You can not expect to be the quickest athlete out there if you haven't trained your body to do so on a consistent basis.

So the moral of the story is ... "Train your body at the speed at which you want it to perform on "Game Day" and except nothing less!"

~~~Thank me for posting this by the IMPLEMENTING IT! ~~~
Have a Crazy Athletic Day! -Ryan "Crazy Athletic" Bishel

Quote of the Day

2009-04-19T09:11:00.000-07:00

Here's a good one for you:
Somehow I can't believe that there are any heights that can't be scaled by a man who knows the secrets of making dreams come true. This special secret - curiosity, confidence, courage, and constancy, and the greatest of all is confidence. When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionable.

Walt Disney

~~~Thank me for posting this by the IMPLEMENTING IT! ~~~
Have a Crazy Athletic Day! -Ryan "Crazy Athletic" Bishel

Quote of the Day

2009-04-13T09:27:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a great Easter Weekend! Here is your Quote of the Day:

Our minds can shape the way a thing will be because we act according to our expectations.

-Federico Fellini

~~~Thank me for posting this by the IMPLEMENTING IT! ~~~
Have a Crazy Athletic Day! -Ryan "Crazy Athletic" Bishel

Composure

2009-04-03T12:38:00.000-07:00

Athletes who focus too much on results or what others think, instead of the process, are likely to become anxious, scared, worried, and perform tentatively at best.

Thus, if you want maximum composure, you must learn to train yourself to focus only on the stuff in your direct control in sports. You can divide the competitive arena into two areas:

1. Things you can control: your thoughts, behaviors, performance, and reactions in both practice and competition.

2. Things beyond your control: events or persons that you cannot influence during competition and which cause you to be distracted from your real mission.

Your goal is to separate these two areas in your mind and focus only on what you can control during performance. You should ask yourself: What do I need to focus on that will help me perform my best?

The other important question to ask yourself: What things should I not give any energy to during my performance?

Your answer to these two questions will help you improve your composure in sports. You will not get as anxious or frustrated by giving energy to the stuff that is beyond your control.

~~~Thank me for posting this by the IMPLEMENTING IT! ~~~
Have a Crazy Athletic Day! -Ryan "Crazy Athletic" Bishel

Quote of the Day

2009-03-28T08:54:00.000-07:00

This is a good one:

The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. Nelson Mandela

~~~Thank me for posting this by the IMPLEMENTING IT! ~~~
Have a Crazy Athletic Day! -Ryan "Crazy Athletic" Bishel

Quote of the Day

2009-03-26T12:37:00.000-07:00

Think about this one a while...

What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.

Abraham Maslow

~~~Thank me for posting this by the IMPLEMENTING IT! ~~~
Have a Crazy Athletic Day! -Ryan "Crazy Athletic" Bishel

Read this 5 Times In a Row!!!

2009-03-17T21:13:00.000-07:00

"It's not what we eat but what we digest that makes us strong;
not what we gain but what we save that makes us rich; not what
we read but what we remember that makes us learned; and not
what we profess but what we practice that gives us integrity."
- Francis Bacon

~~~Thank me for posting this by the IMPLEMENTING IT! ~~~
Have a Crazy Athletic Day! -Ryan "Crazy Athletic" Bishel

The video that will change your attitude in sport!

2009-03-11T21:59:00.000-07:00

If you are an athlete, Parent, Coach or all of the above... you need to watch this! This is the type of passion that every "True Team Player" needs to possess. The excitement from the teammates and fans should be present at al sporting events.

I Made A Mistake... Now What?

2009-02-25T11:17:00.000-08:00

I read this article from a sport psychology resource that I have know for years. Check it out:

Does your young athlete have trouble coping with mistakes? Do
your athletes check out during games because they can't let go
of mistakes? In fact, 35% of sports parents we surveyed said
that their young athletes struggle with letting go of mistakes.

In other words, if your kids can't let go of mistakes, this can
spiral into real "mental game" challenges in sports. When this
spiral begins, young athletes become frustrated, lose
confidence, and get angry or give up altogether.

Some parents have described this syndrome as "checking out."
Their kids stop caring because they are in the grips of
frustration and anger. We admit that this sounds harsh, but this
is the reality. In fact, some kids, like the one mentioned
below, are even threatened with getting kicked off their teams!

In order to be successful, your young athletes need to learn how
to let go of mistakes and remain composed. If they can't stay
composed, they risk not playing up to their potential. Then one
mistake snowballs into more mistakes, which snowballs into the
fear of more missed goals, missed putts, turnovers, lost
rebounds....and more bad performances.

This is what it looks like: A young basketball player begins a
game with high hopes. But after a few missed shots, he stops
shooting. He's afraid of missing more shots. He stops taking
risks and plays very tentatively. He's not very effective, and
starts to feel frustrated--even angry.

Check out this Link: http://www.kidssportspsychology.com/public/department66.cfm

~~~Thank me for posting this by the IMPLEMENTING IT! ~~~
Have a Crazy Athletic Day! -Ryan "Crazy Athletic" Bishel

Breathing Techniques

2009-02-17T23:08:00.000-08:00

As a competitive level athlete, learning how too properly breathe can be one of your best assests. Is is very typical of athletes to hold their breath when contracting ther muscles during physical activity. This stops the flow of oxygen to your muscles. Think of pinching off a garden hose. So get in the habit of inhaling during the negative phase of an exercise and exhaling during the contraction phase of the exercise.

Another tip is to work on slowing down your breathing pattern during high intensity cardiovascular activity. When you can feel your heart beating through your chest, try to count 3-5 beats during both the inhale and exhale phase. Start at 3 and work up to 5.

I'll Leave you with this:
"Remember, you can accomplish anything you truly believe in. So find out what it is that you believe in."

Job Interview Tip

2009-01-16T12:19:00.000-08:00

The following are some tips form Harvey Mackay that I found for you all to read over. In this tough job market, you need to step up your game in order to set yourself apart!

When you enter an interviewer's office, zero in on memorabilia and personal touches:

What books are prominently displayed on the shelves? Can you share a comment or two about an important lesson you learned from reading one of the authors?
Autographed photos and civic or industry awards can be particular points of personal pride. If you can offer some authentic praise or admiration, consider making a passing comment.
The individual's laptop, monitor or other office equipment can open up a conversational opportunity.
A job interview is fundamentally a sales encounter. People buy from people they like. And people hire people they like. It's that simple. People like people who are genuine, pleasant, sincere, easy to talk with and friendly.

Have a clever story, quote, or anecdote or two in mind that you can slip into the conversation. Something positive and memorable. Billionaire Oprah Winfrey, for example, uses an unforgettable trademark line: "I still have my feet on the ground, I just wear better shoes."

Follow-up a job interview with a handwritten thank-you note. They are essential, especially when they mention how you will fit into the company's culture or help meet its immediate business needs.

SELF TALK

2009-01-12T23:14:00.000-08:00

The biggest hurdle to overcome while trying to end the negative thinking mentality is changing how you talk to yourself. Think Positive-Constructive, not negative-negative. Think: "This was good, this can be better." One other thing, this thought process needs to take place in under 3 seconds. That's right, move on to the next play.

Start Your New Year off Right!

2009-01-06T00:06:00.000-08:00

Keep only cheerful, positive friends.

Enjoy the simple things.

Laugh often.

Stay in shape.

Cherish your health.

Be happy.

Don't stress out.

Don't take guilt trips.

Visualize yourself as youthful and with endless energy.

Remember, You Can Accomplish Anything You Truly Believe In... Visualize Success!

Actions Speak Louder than Words

2009-01-05T21:52:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to everyone!

I wish you all the best this 2009!

You can accomplish anything you truly believe in.

Just remember, you have to let your actions speak louder than your words!

Let's make it a memorable one!

Agility Drill - Change of direction

2008-12-09T01:16:00.001-08:00

Shooting Slump

2008-12-04T00:51:00.000-08:00

Below are 4 mental game strategies to help you turn it around when you get off to a slow start and need to find momentum in a basketball game:

1. Great shooters keep shooting. You can't turn your game around unless you keep shooting. You must have faith that your skills are not "lost."

2. Look for momentum-changing breaks in the game. When you're not playing your best and you've lost momentum, it's easy to look for bad breaks or bad luck. I want you to look for good breaks!

3. Avoid the "I-just-don't-have-it-today-syndrome." Instead, keep telling yourself "I'm going to turn my game around right now" - on every point or play.

4. Continue to trust your skills or shot. I know many athletes who miss early in a game and they tighten up and over-control their shots. Avoid over-coaching yourself after making a mistake, which can make matters worse. See the shot you want and allow your (well-trained) body to react to the target. Don't let your conscious self interfere with your unconscious self!

Basketball season is starting... Good Luck This Winter! Kick Some Butt...No Regrets!!!

THANKSGIVING

2008-11-27T17:45:00.000-08:00

I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!

I am so thankful for the opportunity to be making such a positive impact in peoples' lives! I truly believe in giving back.

Just remember, "giving thanks" is not something that should only happen the last Thursday in November!

Winning

2008-11-24T11:25:00.000-08:00

Winning is overcoming obstacles to reach a goal, but the value of winning is as only as great as the value of the goal reached.

The process can be more rewarding than the victory itself.

Fear Driven Athlete vs Success Driven Athlete

2008-11-21T13:19:00.000-08:00

Fear Driven Athlete:
Focused on avoiding Pain, Mistakes & Failure. Has more anxiety & tension. Get frustrated easily. "I don't want to miss this shot" "I don't want to lose this race"

--You have to first know your fear. Then set mini goals that can slowly build confidence.

Success Driven Athlete:
Focused on what needs to be done. Lives in the present moment! Separates one play at a time and focus on the process not the outcome. "I see the shot being made" "I will make the pass in the race"

Which one do you want to be?
Email me if you would like further help in this area. ryanb@championsquest.com

INTIMIDATION

2008-11-20T22:20:00.000-08:00

Some athletes try to intimidate others intentionally because they think it gives them a mental edge or feel they need to this to win. However, most intimidation comes from athletes who psych themselves out - all on their own.

They psych themselves out because of negative thoughts or fears, which then turn into mental gremlins. Self-intimidation is what you bring on yourself because you worry too much about your competition or the team you are about to play.

Self-intimidation can come in many forms such as...

>>Feeling pressure to perform your best or win.
>>Worry about performing against other athletes who are just as skilled.
>>Comparing yourself to other athletes who you think are better.
>>Worry about competing against a ranked or well-known athlete.
>>Get caught up in the hoopla or importance of a game.

BE CONFIDENT!

Self 1 vs Self 2

2008-11-19T01:24:00.000-08:00

Self 1 - Conscious mind
Self 2 - Unconscious mind

A lot of times your self 1 gets in the way of letting self 2 do it's job! Don't let self 1 over-coach self 2. In fact it is better to do the opposite. Allow for self 2 to "feel" the motions it is going through. Think about it, an infant doesn't get coached on how to walk. It just keeps trying until it feels right.

So the moral of the story is to let your body learn the way it was programed to learn!

Success is this simple...

2008-11-14T01:24:00.000-08:00

If you tell yourself, "yes I can!" ... Then you can!

If you tell yourself, "yes I will!" ... Then you will!

If you tell yourself, "I can't!" ... Then you can't!

If you tell yourself, "I won't!" ... Then you won't!

That simple! Your mind is a million times more powerful than you think!

What separates you from the rest?

2008-11-14T01:22:00.000-08:00

Here are some tips to get some serious scholarship looks.

#1 - Work hard and have a good positive attitude. What you put into it you will reap the rewards.

#2 - Have good film showing all facets of your game. Get your film together and have it ready to send out. Perform on the field!

#3 - Test off the charts! Most teams recruit speed, power and explosive players. Make sure you test well and get coached up on the tests.

#4 - Try to attend as many invite only camps. Get your coach to call to get you in.

#5 - Get your academics in order. Too often I see too many good athletes end up nowhere because of poor grades. Do well in school; college coaches love kids that are qualified.

So there you have it, if you can check mark each of these five things then you are well on your way to becoming highly recruited. Keep working hard on the field/court/in the pool, in the classroom and especially in your training. Coaches all over the country will be looking for overall athleticism, not just a one-dimensional athlete!

Train Hard!

50 easy ways to cut 100 calories

2008-09-04T02:02:00.000-07:00

Don't worry. When you make small changes, the only difference you'll notice is a drop in the scale! Keep in mind that cutting calories can involve smart substitutions or changes in portion sizes, too. Just remember, start small and work your way up to a new—and healthier—way of eating.

See the link below:
http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=1183

Inspiration from Bejing

2008-08-12T20:17:00.000-07:00

After watching the men's 4x100 relay you have to be impressed.

Not just impressed from the USA winning Gold...

But impressed from the World Record being smashed by more than 5 teams in one race.

Now this is not just coincidence...

or illegal performance enhancing drugs...

or luck.

It was from TRAINING.

More and more athletes are breaking records on a regular basis.

Athletes EARN the records they break months and years before the big competition.

Now more than ever athletes need to realize that athletic ability and talent only gets you so far in athletics. Flexibility, Strength training, Mental Training, Nutrition are just a few of the things that athletes focus on or need to be focusing on week after week if they have the desire to be successful.

So get out there and EARN your success and don't wait for a lucky day during a competition to happen.

So start training like a champion today and maybe you just might break some records one day.

Top 7 Confidence Killers for Athletes

2008-07-31T21:45:00.000-07:00

I talk to many concerned sports parents stating that their kids struggle with confidence and self-doubt…

Sports, at any level, is a game of confidence. The more confident athletes often rise above the competition.

What are the Top 7 Confidence Killers in sports?

#1. Negative self-talk - Never say something to yourself that you wouldn't want a coach to say to you.
#2. Thinking success is luck and not ability - Nothing is handed to you, everything you accomplish is earned by what you put into it.
#3. Strict expectations about performance - Nobody is perfect. Just try to be a little better every day.
#4. Self-doubt about one’s ability - Competition is won first in your mind; therefore you have to truly believe you have the mental & physical ability to out perform the competition
#5. Focusing too much on mistakes - You can't undo the past... just learn from them and move on. Mistakes are your stepping stones for success.
#6. Making comparisons to other athletes - You only have the power to control you & only you! Believe in yourself and everything else will fall into place.
#7. Overly critical coaches or parents - Most of the time this comes from them trying motivate you to perform up to the level that they know you can be at, even though criticizing isn't the best method. If someone criticizes you, turn on your "filter" and let it go in one ear & out the other and interpret it as "come on, I know you can do better than this!" You need a positive support system. Talk to them once everything has cooled down and let them know how you feel about the situation so they see your point of view.

Lakers vs Celtics - Game 5

2008-06-16T01:03:00.000-07:00

I found some time Sunday night to watch Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

It was the last Home game for the Lakers, a must win to stay "alive" in the Championship.

Thanks to ESPN/ABC, I was able to hear sound clips from Doc Rivers, Head coach of the Celtics.

Theres was something that he kept repeating over and over again to his team...

"Mental Toughness, Mental Toughness, Mental Toughness! It is all in your head"

My case in point: Your MENTAL GAME is what allows your body to perform the necessary movements to compete at a CHAMPIONSHIP LEVEL!

May the team "with the most Mental Toughness" win!

Listening

2008-06-10T10:04:00.000-07:00

I challenge you to do 2 things...

1.) See how long you can keep eye contact with someone while they are talking to you.

2.) Figure out which of the following listening styles is the biggest problem for you and work on it for the next week.

Spacing out: Ignoring someone who is talking to us because our mind is wandering off in our own thoughts.

Pretend Listening: Not paying to much attention to someone and making remarks like, "uh-huh," and "yeah."

Selective Listening: Paying attention only to the pieces of the conversation that is interesting to you.

Word Listening: Only listening to the words a person is saying and not watching their body language, tone of voice or meaning behind the words.

Self-Centered Listening: Probing, judging, advising. Only seeing things from own point of view instead of putting ourselves in someone else's shoes.

Definitions of the week:
"Listen: hear, pay attention, be attentive, attend, concentrate; keep one's ears open"

"Genuine: authentic, real, actual, original, bona fide, true, veritable; attested, undisputed, sincere, honest, truthful, straightforward, direct, frank, candid, open; artless, natural, unaffected"

American Idol

2008-05-23T20:50:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I just got done watching the American Idol finale last night.

Both of the final contestants are extremely talented.

Both of them put everything they had into the contest.

Both of them are living their dream.

Both of them are extremely passionate about music.

As soon as the show ended, I thought to myself...

That is the mentality that all athletes need to have if they want to be successful!

"If you never settle for less that 110% effort...your success will be lucrative"

Never Quit...

2008-05-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

Persevere: to continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no prospect of success.

The Mind is your most Powerful Tool

2008-05-16T11:01:00.000-07:00

Imagination: the faculty or action of forming new ideas, or images or concepts of external objects not present to the senses

Inspiration

2008-05-15T22:38:00.000-07:00

Inspiration: the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, esp. to do something creative.

Inspiration is a catalyst for all things great in life. I challenge you to figure out what it is that inspires you...

Ispir

ProActivity

2008-05-04T20:51:00.000-07:00

Being Proactive = Positive Results

Time to self-reflect...

If the following resembles you, great you are a proactive thinker. If not, time to start taking baby-steps toward this type of thinking.

Always find a way to make it happen
Are thankful for what you have
Think before you act
Are not easily offended
Focus on things you can do something about, not on the uncontrollable
Bounce back when something bad happens
Take responsibility for your choices
Never complains
Says things like, "I can do better than that" or "I can" or "There's got to be a way"

I'll leave you with a quote:
"Whether I fail or succeed shall be no man's doing but my own. I am the force."
- Elaine Maxwell

Facts

2008-04-17T01:05:00.000-07:00

78 - The percent of your muscle that is made of water. (Drink up!)

50 - The percent of kids that are overweight. (Get you child outside & educate yourself on nutrition)

4 to 1 - The ratio of carbs to protein that an athlete should be consuming.

30 - The maximum minutes after a workout that an athlete has to "re-fuel" themselves.

0 - The amount of days that a parent should go without telling thier child how proud of them they are.

"Success is where desire, potential & diligence meet!"

A Chain is as Only as Strong as it's Weakest Link

2008-04-17T00:57:00.000-07:00

Here's an analogy for ya:

For a chain to be strong, all of its links must be.

For an athlete to be strong and powerful, all of its links must be.

If even one component to your athleticism is weak, you will not be as strong of an athlete that you want to be!

Example: You can hit the ball far but you are a slow runner.
Solution: Develop your running mechanics and increase your total body strength.

"Life is full of experiences, which ones will you tell your children about?

I've heard them all...

2008-04-17T00:35:00.000-07:00

"LOOKS LIKE RAIN." **Hey, it will cool you off!

"I HAVE NO TIME." **You sure must be wasting a lot of it!

"I PACK MY GYM BAG AND THEN THE OFFICE COMES ON." **Get TiVo!

"I NEED MY SLEEP." **Then go to bed earlier, or take a nap!

"I DON'T WANT TO SPEND $__ A MONTH ON A GYM MEMBERSHIP." **Save $900 a year by switching from cafe' mocha to metabolism-boosting green tea when you stop at Starbucks every morning or switch to 1 snack wrap instead of a "meal deal" at McDonalds!

"MY GYM SUCKS." **then get a new one that helps motivate you!

"I'M BORED WITH MY WORKOUT." **Then get a trainer!

"I NEVER SEE RESULTS." **Switch trainers or actually get one!

"I HAVE NO ENERGY." **Energy = Food, so eat the right energy!

"I'M JUST MAKING SURE MY BODY IS GETTING ENOUGH REST." **More than 48hours is flirting with laziness!

"I ALWAYS GET HURT." **Get a new trainer!

"MY ELBOWS/SHINS/PINKIE TOES HURT." **No Pain, No Gain!

"I DON'T WANT TO LOOK STUPID TRYING TO USE THOSE MACHINES." **Then use something else or realize that working out is about the sweat, not good looks Hollywood!

"MY BUDDY CAN'T MAKE IT TONIGHT." **One word... Discipline!

NO MORE EXCUSES!!!

Hold yourself accountable for the workouts you miss!

WHO LOVES YA?

The Perfectionist Athlete

2008-03-11T23:13:00.000-07:00

Listed below are some areas in which characteristics of a perfectionist athlete may be shown in:

Fear of Failure
Fear of Embarrassment
Fear of others' judgments
Fear of Letting Others Down
Fear of Making mistakes
Fear of wasted energy or time
Fear of Losing respect from others
Fear of not reaching expectations

Practice
Great Practice Player
Hard Worker
High Motivation
Practice Confidence
Loves to Train
Very Coachable

Mental Game
Tries to be perfect
High Expectations
Lack of Confidence in games
Lack of trust in competition
Wants to look and feel good
Fear of making mistakes
Tries too hard - tension

Competition
Tentative performer
Too focused on others
Afraid to take risks
Feels anxious or tense
Frustrated with mistakes
Can't perform in the present

Perfectionists are hard enough on themselves; they don't need their parents reminding them how to improve their technique or try harder. In fact, what they need is permission to perform or play at a more instinctive level or with less thinking. Over thinking is what makes these athletes anxious and tentative. Also, it would be most beneficial for these athletes to learn that making mistakes is a part of every athlete's career. So if you or if you know an athlete of this nature be positive and encouraging; never be over critical.

For more information check out these podcasts: http://www.peaksportsnetwork.com/public/department47.cfm

Music and Sport

2008-03-05T00:36:00.000-08:00

Music, it can be a "cure-all" in your athletic lifestyle. Music can assist you in altering the mood your in. It can pump you up or make you relaxed and focused. You know yourself best, so pick music that will best suit you and the mood your "zone" your trying to get into prior to a competition. By the time you take the headphones off, you should have a strong sense of confidence and belief in yourself!

Saying is an idea; Doing is a statement!

2008-02-07T22:50:00.000-08:00

Everyday I hear people talk about what they are going to start doing different in their lives. Nothing says "Hey, I just accomplished my goal" better than action. Think about it, hearing someone say, "I just got a scholarship" is more powerful than hearing, "I want to get a scholarship." For every goal that you set, you must have an action plan that is bulletproof so that success is your only option, not failure. This plan of action will also lay the groundwork for your confident since every time a step is made in the right direction, a boost of confidence will accompany it. So start "Doing" and stop "Saying!" You owe it to yourself to back up what you want with what you will have achieved one day.

Believe

2008-01-05T15:03:00.000-08:00

You will achieve any goal you set for yourself only if you truly BELIEVE, SEE and FEEL IT! Any subtle doubts you may feel will act as road blocks on your journey to your destination of choice. Your mind is your biggest ally as long as your are extremely positive in your thinking.

2007-07-08T18:46:00.000-07:00

Goal: Burn Fat
Change in Lifestyle: Think berfore you eat!
"How much extra work will I need to to burn this off?"
Workout: Cardiovascular
Intinsity: 55-65%/max HR (heart rate)
Duration: 30 - 60min
Days per week: 5-6
Nutrition Plan: Light and healthy. (never feel stuffed)
Meals per day: 5-6
Tips: Get a heart rate monitor, preferably one that tracks your weekly calories. Tell fiends/family about your goals. Both will be good motivation tools for you(hold you accountable). Print out your goals and post them: by your bathroom mirror, in your car, on the refrigerator, etc.

2007-07-08T17:27:00.000-07:00

It is vital for all competitive athletes to continually increase their knowledge on a consistant basis. I am here to "give-back" to youth athletes as well as their parents to aid in their success in their sport. I am a certified Performance Enhacement Specialist as well as having my degree in Kinesiology. I have been in the industry for 10 years and have had the oppertunity to work with athletes of all sports as well as all levels (recreational to professional/olympic). Please ask me about any questions you may have about improving athletic performance, sport psychology, injuries, weight management, etc.