One of the hardest things to do during the off-season is staying motivated to swim. If you want to be in top condition during the competitive season, the off-season is a time you should use to get ready. But you need to find out what works for you and your body to make the most of this precious time. So here are a few tips to keep you on track to your goals this year. 

Cross-training

Incorporating other forms of exercise into your routine will help you build strength, prevent injuries, and have fun outside of the pool. Variety is always good, but different exercises have different impacts on the body. 

Swimming helps you build huge anaerobic and aerobic fitness, as well as flexibility and strength. But yoga, for example, can train your mind and body, making you strong, flexible, and able to get your head in the right space for more effective training. 

Use technology

If you’re someone who struggles to get motivated, there are a number of apps on the market designed to help athletes and swimmers reach their goals. This includes helping you train with friends, compete against other people, setting you reasonable targets to achieve along the way, and keeping your training organised and beneficial. 

For example, MySwimPro is compatible with smartwatches, and creates personalised workouts for you based on data. Both beginners and elite athletes can benefit from useful technology like this and it’s tailored to you personally. 

Take a break

While it’s important to stay fit and healthy so you don’t have to play catch up when the peak-season comes around, taking some time to rest physically and mentally is also important. You can’t stay in that competitive headspace at all times, so give yourself time to chill. Find that balance between improvement and rest. 

Eat right

The off-season isn’t the time to let your diet get out of hand. While it’s fine to indulge now and then, diet plays a huge part in keeping you fit and healthy. Use the off-season to refine your diet and get a plan together that will lead to a great performance in the competitive season. 

Focus on technique

Even tiny improvements can make a big difference with performance. Technique is the one thing that can boost your performance without you having to vastly improve your fitness and strength. And when you have a great technique, swimming gets that little bit easier. It feels better to use great technique and will help you prevent injuries. 

The off-season is a time we both look forward to and struggle with because it’s hard to stay motivated. But it also gives you plenty of time to relax your mind and body ready for the season ahead. Finding the right balance is the key to a great competitive season. 

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