‘Tis the Season for Mental Toughness

By Alison Arnold, Ph.D. and Sara Robinson, M.A.

Photo By Action Moments

Ho Ho Ho! Are you on the naughty or nice list this holiday season? You’ve worked hard all Fall learning routines and perfecting skills. Now competition season is right around the corner! Tis the season to follow our Seven Rules for a Tight Mind and Body. Stick with these rules this holiday season and you’ll be ready for competition! Don’t let the time off during the holidays break you down; take the time to build yourself up!

Rule 1:  Be sure to do walk-throughs of routines and skills during down time. Turn on your music and put your body in the positions that it needs to be in for every stunt and skill! Say key words and corrections inside your head as you visualize and walk through routines, stunts and tumbling. When you do this, you train your mind and body to do the same thing every time. This will really pay off in competitions. Remember to make your words, sharp, precise, and that they go with the natural rhythm of the routine. Ask yourself, “What would my coach say if he/she were sitting on my shoulder?”

Rule 2:  Watch competitions from last season of your team and others throughout the country on YouTube. See what you (and others) did well, and could improve on. Be a researcher of what teams are doing and how you can use that to your advantage.

Rule 3:  Eat healthy. We know desserts are abundant and holidays are a time to splurge, but try to do so in moderation. Remember your body is like a race car – it needs the best gas possible. Enjoy holiday treats but be sure you are giving yourself quality “performance” foods as well.

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