Training, Racing & Living the “athlete life” can be downright challenging a lot of the time. There’s a fine balance between work, family, training, racing, chores, errands, responsibilities, rest, recovery….the list goes on and on. So how can you empower yourself more as an athlete? How can you rise to the weekly challenge of it all? Group training, workouts & accountability might be helpful…
Looking to challenge yourself without burning out as an athlete? What about gaining more accountability for your workouts and sessions? Group training might be really helpful for you. We know sometimes it can get a bad rap because athletes at times can push themselves harder than they should in a group setting vs a solo setting, but read on for some helpful tips…
CURATE LIKEMINDED FRIENDS – If all your coworkers do is complain about work or other menial things, ditch them with anything related to workouts or training. Find new friends! That sounds clichรฉ but it’s true and in the athletic community, can really be easy. Volunteer at a local race and chat people up. Ask them what they’re training for or if they have any big races this season. See if someone there lives near you OR perhaps goes to the same gym. Ask if they’d like to connect and perhaps be training buddies. It sounds overly simplified here, but it doesn’t have to be complex. Athletes tend to stick together and often enjoy training with likeminded others.
BE PROACTIVE – If you’re the one looking to make gains, improvements or big-forward-strides from the group training – put in the time! Be the MOST active member of the group with high energy, accountability and reliability. It’s contagious and you’ll soon pair down the group to a handful of individuals that not only want to kick butt as much as you but WILL kick butt as much as you. Lead by example.
ASK – REPEAT – ASK – Don’t be a drain on any of the groups you’re a part of. Be someone that asks questions with genuine interest to learn and gain knowledge. Connect with others in the group and ask them what their goals are, what their training has been like and what races they might have on their season calendar. If a particular group doesn’t feel like a good fit, bow out gracefully. The other members will likely appreciate that more than you trying to stick around and ‘force’ enjoyment from taking part.
What are your go to empowerment tips? Where do you think group training and the ‘buddy system’ falls with yourself as an athlete?