Staying Charged: Tips for Keeping Your Energy and Motivation High
By: Lisa Buchmiller
We know how important consistency is in our training, but how do we keep our energy up and stay motivated in the long run?
Have several training plans: There is a difference between consistency and overtraining, which can lead to mental and physical fatigue and make you more prone to injuries. When we train consistently, we follow a plan that includes cross-training and rest and recovery, but the plan is also adaptable. This means there are times when we ramp it up and times when we tone it down. For example, if you catch a cold and are returning to your activity after being sick, you’ll want to ease back into training in a smart and effective way. This might include lighter activities, more rest days, and gradually building back up to your regular training routine. On the flip side, there are times when your body is primed and ready to push harder in order to reach a specific goal. Those weeks might include more challenging workouts or classes, or an extra day of training.
Track how you feel: There are many factors that influence how we feel on any given day during an activity. In addition to having a consistent and adaptable training plan, it can be very helpful to track how you felt before and after the activity. This can help you and your coaches make adjustments, whether it's more hydration, additional rest, or other changes. There are many amazing planners and weekly calendar templates available for download
Set Goals: Set both short-term and long-term goals. A short-term goal could be something you want to accomplish in the next week or two. It might be as simple as going to bed 15 minutes earlier to allow your body the extra rest it needs for an upcoming audition or event. For long-term goals, think about the next year and what it would take to achieve them. Is it something you truly want, or would it drain you? Add these goals to your weekly calendar, and if you feel a goal is no longer serving you, it's okay to pivot!
Inspiration: What inspires and motivates you? For some, it might be the perfect playlist, watching a documentary about your sport, or reading a book about someone who inspires you. If you love creating a vision board, go for it! Sometimes, we just need that extra boost.
Support: Lean on your teammates, instructors, and coaches. When we support each other, we build each other up! It's okay to be competitive with ourselves and others, but always root for one another. This makes a huge difference in how it feels in the studio or on the field. This plays a big role in our motivation to show up for both ourselves and our team.
Even when we love what we're doing, remember that our energy and motivation will ebb and flow. Keep finding joy in the activity, no matter what! Remind yourself why you're showing up to the ballet barre, the track, or the court. Something is pulling us there, and when you love it, it feels like home.
