As an athlete, it can be tempting to ease up on your workouts during the season. After all, you’re already putting in hours of practice and playing in games. However, staying consistent with your training throughout the season is essential for maintaining your performance and preventing injuries. Here are 11 key reasons why it’s important—and completely okay—to keep working out while in season..
1. Maintains Strength
One of the main goals of working out during the season is to maintain the strength and power you’ve built in the offseason. Without regular strength training, athletes can lose muscle mass and power, leading to a decline in their overall performance as the season progresses.
2. Preserves Speed
Speed is often the first physical attribute that athletes lose during the competitive season if they're not actively training. While it's not necessary to engage in exhausting sprinting sessions, it's important to keep the body primed for maximum velocity. Incorporating speed drills, short sprints, and quick bursts of acceleration into your in-season training can help maintain your explosive power and quickness. This not only enhances your performance on the field or court but also allows you to respond more effectively to game situations, keeping you competitive throughout the season.
3. Injury Prevention
In-season training isn’t just about getting stronger—it’s about staying safe. Regular workouts improve muscle balance and stability, reducing the risk of injuries during games or practices. Keeping your body strong and stable is crucial when you’re putting it through the rigors of competition.
4. Enhances Recovery
In-season workouts don’t always have to be intense. Incorporating controlled strength training, stretching, and mobility work can actually help your body recover faster after games. These sessions reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery, so you’re always ready for the next game.
5. Focus on Game Endurance
While it’s true that endurance is crucial for athletes, it's important to note that much of it is developed during actual gameplay rather than through separate endurance training sessions. In-season, the continuous physical demands of practices and games provide significant conditioning. Overemphasizing endurance training during this period can lead to athlete exhaustion and burnout. Instead, the focus should be on maintaining a balance that allows your body to recover while still performing at a high level during competitions. This approach ensures that you are energized and ready to compete when it matters most.
6. Mental Toughness
The mental benefits of working out during the season are just as important as the physical ones. Continuing your workout routine helps build mental resilience, keeping you sharp and helping you push through the challenges of a long season. Sticking to your regimen shows dedication and perseverance, both of which translate into success on the field or court.
7. Maintains Flexibility
In-season workouts aren’t just about lifting weights. Incorporating stretching and mobility exercises keeps your muscles and joints flexible, improving your range of motion. This flexibility can translate to better agility and reaction times, helping you make those key plays when it matters most.
8. Prepares for Playoffs
The season might feel long, but it’s important to remember the bigger picture. By staying in peak condition throughout the season, you’ll be better prepared for the intensity of the playoffs. Athletes who maintain their fitness during the regular season are able to elevate their game when it counts most.
9. Adapts to Changing Needs
During the season, your body’s needs change as the competition ramps up. In-season workouts give you the opportunity to adjust and fine-tune your fitness to meet the specific demands of your sport. Whether that’s focusing on agility, explosiveness, or stamina, in-season training allows you to make improvements where you need them most.
10. Keeps Routine Consistent
One of the hardest things for any athlete is getting out of routine. By continuing to work out during the season, you maintain the discipline and focus that comes with a regular schedule. Consistency is key—not just for performance, but for overall well-being. A structured workout plan helps athletes stay on track, both physically and mentally.
11. Boosts Confidence
There’s something empowering about knowing you’re doing everything you can to stay in peak condition. When athletes maintain their workouts during the season, they carry a certain confidence with them. That confidence not only shows in their physical performance but also in how they approach the game mentally.
Conclusion
Working out during the season doesn’t have to be as intense as offseason training, but it’s crucial for maintaining the physical and mental edge that athletes need. From strength and speed to injury prevention and confidence, in-season training plays a vital role in an athlete’s success. So, don’t skip the workouts—embrace them as an important part of your in-season routine, and you’ll see the benefits on the field, court, or track.
Until next week!
Comments