PROCRASTINATION is the biggest challenge that majority of athletes face when preparing for a high-level competition. Dealing with this challenge is what separates those who are “getting ready” from those who are “staying ready,” National Academy of Sports Medicine personal trainer Jerry Diaz said.
He said to stay ready, one must maintain a steady endurance.
Endurance allows an individual to repeatedly perform movements without feeling fatigued or without a decline in performance.
An athlete can be talented, Diaz said, but if he/she is not able to maintain their performance throughout a competition, then they are not ready to compete at that specific level.
One must also be performance ready, Diaz said. Response time matters. An athlete must be mentally and physically ready to react.
Staying ready also means avoiding injury, Diaz said.
In addition, to maintaining competitive readiness, one must follow a nutrition plan and a fitness, exercise and recovery program.
In other words, Diaz said, one must stick to a routine. If an individual cannot successfully create a steady and consistent schedule, then he/she will be frustrated with the results of her fitness or training program.
Diaz said one must follow a simple daily routine. This is why it is important for an individual to know if they are the type that enjoys eating in chunks or throughout the day. Or if they are the type that enjoys short or long workouts, and if they are a morning or an evening individual.
For athletes, Diaz said it is also essential to sharpen one’s oxygen level during training. This includes building up lactic acid tolerance, strength and conditioning, as well as honing the technical skills that should be performed during a competition.
Diaz said an athlete requires at least 4-6 months to acquire stability, conditioning, strength and power while preparing for a competition.
After the competition, an athlete must gradually lower their intensity level to avoid taxing the mind and body. Mentally and physically, the human body requires a reset to allow one’s muscle tissues, joints, tendons as well as the respiratory and circularity systems to recover.
For professional fitness inquiries, contact Jerry Diaz through Instagram at @BBJ_Athletics or Facebook.
Jerry Diaz refines his technical striking skills using a traditional makiwara board.
