Whether you’re a competitive athlete or a hobbyist, you need to learn how to overcome periods of stagnation in sport. Although sport is part of your daily routine, you frequently experience apathy, lack of energy, unexplained fatigue and generally low tone. You start skipping workouts, avoid the gym and are always looking for excuses to laze on the couch. Breaks are welcome, as it recharges your batteries for a strong start.
The problem arises when breaks go on too long, and your results drop off significantly. Change your routine with small new habits designed to get you out of your comfort zone.
Summary:
- Stagnation in sport, prevented by action and self-discipline – Are massage chairs a good investment?
- Sports overuse and main symptoms
1. Stagnation, prevented by action and self-discipline – Are massage chairs a good investment ?
How can you prevent stagnation episodes in sport?
- Rest is not just 7 hours of sleep
Of course, 7-9 hours of quality sleep is crucial for a functioning body. However, passive rest is not enough for mental revitalisation. Rest also means active recreation through hobbies, connecting with nature, yoga, meditation, relaxation massage, socialising, etc. Start the day in professional massage chairs, opt for a stretching massage before you start working out.
What types of massage chairs needs a sport person?
Stretching massage invigorates your muscles, mental health and reduces symptoms of post-workout muscle fever. After sport workout or before sleep, relax all your muscles with deep tissue massage, shiatsu or a customised massage for areas where you feel stiff.
- Try alternative sports
“Who’s to say who’s to say”, as the old saying goes. The best way to successfully overcome periods of stagnation in sport is…sport.
One of the reasons you get bored can be repetitive workouts. Start varying your exercise categories, but be careful not to overdo it. Set aside a day for dancing, fitness/aerobic exercise, do a few swimming sessions, change where you usually jog or discover a new sport.
One useful idea you could turn to is the personal trainer. He or she will suggest the sport or exercise that suits your physical condition, lifestyle, goals, etc.
- Ask for a personalised nutrition plan
Maybe you do a sport that requires a special diet, more fat, protein or vitamins in a particular category. Or, maybe you need to take dietary supplements or diversify your diet. It doesn’t hurt to consult a nutritionist. On the basis of analyses and assessments, he or she can suggest a personalised diet plan that suits your characteristics.
2. Sports overuse and main symptoms
Stagnation in sport can also be the result of an imbalance in your personal life. When your workload overwhelms you, your family life is chaos and you can barely sleep, don’t be surprised if you don’t feel like playing sports.
- Reduce the number of workouts
If you’re currently having a busier time, then avoid overtraining and reduce the frequency of your workouts. Don’t set lofty goals or competitions immediately after a period when you’ve been overwhelmed by stress at work or elsewhere in life. Sporting failures cause frustration, lower your confidence and lower your morale.
- Give your muscles a well-deserved vacation
After a long string of workouts targeting a particular muscle group, it would be advisable to take a break for a few days. Otherwise, overtraining can lead to muscle, tendon or ligament tears and injuries. Take breaks of 5-6 days to give your muscles time to recover. During this time you can stick to light nature walks, relaxing massage, light aerobic exercise to avoid atrophy and sedentariness.
What are the symptoms of sports overuse? Permanent fatigue, poor immunity, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, nervousness, etc.
In conclusion, stagnation in sport can be a signal that the body needs to take a break. Or a healthy impetus to change certain harmful habits.