The Next Four Weeks...

...will go by really fast and soon we will be out for Winter Break. I have always felt that the weeks between Thanksgiving Break and Winter / Christmas Break are key for athletes and students. Here is why.
1) It is a manageable amount of time to stay focused.
2) There are no interruptions. We have four full weeks of school.
3) A lot can be accomplished in that time.
4) You will feel a lot better about yourself if you are staying active during this time and that will have a carry over effect to your school work, home life and ability to fully enjoy the upcoming holiday.

Our basketball teams will be working hard over the next four weeks. But I fear the tendency for others is to return from Thanksgiving break and remain in vacation mode and miss some great opportunities. Here are some suggestions how to make best use of this time.

1) Schedule time to exercise every day even for only15- 20 minutes. Consistent daily exercise will lead to greater improvements than exercising a couple times a week for longer time.
2) Limit your on-line time not associated with homework. Keep Facebook and other social media time to once a day and only 15 minutes.
3) Get down to the weight room and talk to me or Mark Medhurst about what your goals are for the winter. We can help you accomplish them.
4) Remember, it is unreasonable to expect that you will feel motivated to workout every day. On the days you do not feel motivated just tell yourself that you will exercise for 10 minutes and push yourself through those 10 minutes. Anyone can struggle through 10 minutes. After those 10 minutes, if you still feel sluggish and tired call it a day. Do not be surprised, though, if those 10 minutes make you feel a lot better and you suddenly feel like you can do more.
5) Keep a log of your workouts over the next four weeks. Logging is the best motivational tool there is. The log will hold you accountable for your daily commitment to get some work in.

Good luck. I have some big goals for the next four weeks too. Please feel free to ask me about them if you see me.