Strength & Conditioning

1 Corinthians 9:25  “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

The major goal in strength and conditioning is to get stronger physically.  However, sports can be so grueling that the athlete needs to be strong in all areas of life. Therefore, we need to train ourselves with that in mind.

1. Physically – Each athlete should work on their over all strength to help them perform better and to prevent injuries from happening.
    
2. Spiritually and emotionally – Time and time again we hear about the athlete that has overcome a personal crisis in the midst of their career. Sometimes these tragedies are during the biggest moments of their athletic careers such as the Olympics, Nationals, playoffs… Emotional and spiritual strength are imperative during these personal and athletic hardships. We need to tap into our faith and emotions on a regular basis, so that we don’t become paralyzed in those areas. We live in a tough world, and there are no guarantees. It is true that many times we can’t control the situation, but we can control our attitudes and actions.
    
3. Intellectual/Occupational – Keeping your mind sharp is very important for all people. Many athletes are students too, so they need to do a balancing act with their studies and their sport. The intellectual and occupational areas will go together, because a student’s main job is to graduate and get a degree. In most student/athlete’s lives there isn’t much time for being social. The workload is huge and time consuming. Therefore each person who chooses this life needs to understand that by sacrificing their social needs, they will be gaining through their sport.
    
4. Social – Yes, there isn’t much time for a social life outside of work/school and sports. However, this can be approached two ways. Each athlete can be frustrated that they can’t do everything that they want to, or they could see their sports as their social life. It is very common for athletes to find their best friends in their sporting activities. It is because they spend so much time together at practices, meets, traveling to meets, team parties…. Remember this when you have to give up a fun party due to an athletic commitment. On the other hand, beware that sports don’t become your whole life. Balance is the key! You should make time for family and other friends so that you don’t completely burnout on your sport.

The other important aspect with strength is to remember that each athlete must keep themselves motivated. Day to day strength workouts can become tedious, boring, and painful. In order to get stronger, every athlete needs to push themselves to exhaustion. Hopefully the following verses will help you with your workouts. WARNING! It is imperative that athletes listen to their bodies. There is a difference between muscle fatigue and joint pain. Many athletes have been injured due to the Repetitive Motion Syndrome. They have pushed too hard while doing the same movement, and now they need to sit out due to stress injuries. Make sure your coach knows about your pain. Most teams have an athletic trainer, so take advantage of that too. Don’t keep your pain to yourself, because it could be a potential injury!

Colossians 3:23-25  “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving...”

Galatians 6:4,5  “Each one should test his own actions.  Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.”

Ecclesiastes 5:4,5  “When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it.  He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow.  It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.”

Quotes:
 “Physical strength comes from training, lifting one more weight. Or in case of a gymnast, doing one more flip. But real courage and real strength comes from God.” Mary Lou Retton  Olympic Gold Medalist

“Without proper conditioning in all areas, you will fall short of your potential.”  John Wooden UCLA Head Basketball Coach

Personal notes and ideas:

1. Where am I lacking in strength?
   1. Physically –
   2. Spiritually and emotionally –
   3. Intellectually and occupationally –
   4.  Socially -
2. How can I strengthen myself in all of the areas of my life?
   1. Physically –
   2. Spiritually and emotionally –
   3. Intellectually and occupationally –
   4. Socially –

3. How can I encourage my teammates in their strength and conditioning?

4. What would Jesus do?

5. How can the Bible verses in this chapter help me? Are there other verses that help me be an ultimate athlete with my strength and conditioning?