The school year is beginning to end for many schools across the Omaha, Neb. area- which means summer is finally here! As summer gives student athletes a break from school, it also gives athletes of every sport a great opportunity to focus on their goals and overall athletic development. 

Summer is the best time of the year for athletes to get faster and stronger with speed and agility training, especially for those who play a fall sport. However, summer workouts can seem to be very repetitive. Although most athletes will be training every week, it’s vital that they stay motivated and dedicated to their goals all summer long. Below, we highlight some ways any athlete can stay consistently motivated all summer long. 

Set long-term and short-term goals

Goal setting is one of the best ways an athlete can not only stay motivated throughout the summer, but throughout the entire off-season. By setting goals, athletes will need to hold themselves accountable to reaching those goals. Athletes should set both short-term and long-term goals, such as daily, weekly or monthly milestones or goals they want to have accomplished by the end of the summer. Below are some examples of both short-term and long-term goals: 

Long-term goals:

• Have a bench max of x by the end of the summer
• Run a x 40 yard dash by the end of the summer
• Become a better team leader
•  

Short-term goals:

• Train x times a week
• Watch film x times a week
• Drink x amount of water each day
• Work on skill training x times a week

Allow your body to rest and recover

Another thing athletes can do to help stay motivated is making sure they are allowing their bodies to recover and take rest days if needed. It’s important to listen to your body and take the allocated time off as needed.  And although athletes shouldn’t be taking rest days too often, taking a day off here or there will allow for your body to recover better, which promotes healthy muscle gain. 

Make training fun

Another way to help improve your offseason motivation is to incorporate some fun into your workouts and training sessions. Yes, the off-season can be boring; but it’s all what you make of it. Doing the same exercises during the same days each and every week is good when it comes to following a set plan, however, it never hurts to mix it up every once in a while. 

There are a number of ways that you incorporate “fun” into your off-season. One of the best ways to make training more fun is by adding some sort of competition. Competing with teammates during training drills or skill work will make training more enjoyable as well as push you to work harder! Things like 1v1 drills or small group training competitions helps athletes stay motivated throughout the summer!

Stay mentally strong

Lastly, to stay motivated all summer long it’s vital that you stay mentally strong. One of the best ways to stay mentally strong is by developing and sticking to a regular routine. With an established routine that includes a weekly training schedule, a consistent sleep schedule and proper nutrition, it’s much easier to focus and stay determined when training during the summer! 

As summer workouts start to begin, it’s important that athletes are staying mentally focused and motivated through it all. Now is the time to improve your skills, build strength and get faster before the season starts!

At Warren Academy, our summer training program incorporates weight and speed and agility training to help athletes improve their overall athletic performance. To learn more about our summer program or to sign up, visit our website!