As Coaches we will often hear that an athlete ‘needs to let off some steam’…
This usually means that they have had a few days off training, or have underperformed, or, they have had a stressful week/few days in other areas of life.
Their answer… go hard and try to ‘make up for it’
Coaches response: not a good idea
Why?
Stress is stress. They have had a break from their routine, missed some training or under performed for a reason. Being age groupers this is usually a result of travel, work deadlines, family stressors or a combination of all of the above. The body does not know the difference between stress from these areas or the stress of hard training. So, more ‘stress’ isn’t needed. If there has been an interruption to normal rhythm of training risks are amplified.
What to do instead?
Go the other way… make some time for and prioritise some ‘soul filling’ sessions. Lower intensity or general endurance is best and those sessions that ‘give back’ to the body, rather than ‘taking’ from it. It will help the body and brain reset. You will feel good. You can relax and enjoy. You can use them to de stress and reset. Win: Win: Win!
Examples
– Run / walk session keeping heart rate low
– General endurance trainer (or road ride in nature)
– Pilates or mobility based strength session
– Low intensity swimming working on form and efficiency
#BeYourBest #StressIsStress