Mind in Sports
/Every sport requires some form of strategy, before you attack it. For example, when it comes to running, you decide what path to take and you consider the hills, the stairs, the flats accordingly. You generally have a “strategy” on how to run it. That being said, you don’t need to think through your strategy too deeply, each and every time. However, there are certain sports that you heavily rely on that strategy to succeed. I, recently, got myself into one of those sports - rock climbing.
It is amazing to learn this new sport along side with my kids. We are focusing predominantly on bouldering so that we can establish a strong technique. For those of you who might not be familiar with climbing, bouldering means that you climb without a rope. Once the rope is removed, it is all about you and the wall - nothing to rely on but your hands and feet (and of course your mind). The path that is laid out for you looks like a maze with multiple solutions. There is no right or wrong, but there is easy and VERY hard based on the path you pick. Each challenge requires you to stop and think. Initially it looks easy - just follow the same colors. However, you, very quickly, realize that if you don’t strategize on your path before hands, you most likely fail. Patience combined with your calm mind becomes your best friend and the ticket to the “finish”.
it takes courage but once you know your strategy, the path is easier
no one can tell that he has fear of heights!
As I am working on improving my skills every week, I realize how similar most of my sports are…. Both freestyle windsurfing and mountain biking require the same patience and the mind. If I just go for a move, in windsurfing, without thinking it through, I end up in the freezing cold waters of the bay. If I just go down on a hill with my bike without picking my line, I end up on the gravel and dust, with bleeding arms and legs (if I am lucky). No wonder, most of my fellow windsurfers are also mountains bilker and/or rock climbers. It is very clear what attracts me when I pick a sport - the strategy (and the adrenaline).
And this is exactly why, I absolutely love teaching my classes or training people. The strategy is there, every single time. And somehow the adrenaline is there too, even though what we do in class is far removed from being dangerous. The adrenaline is there to anxiously see how you feel the results of my training.
One of our more recent classes, focused on the theme of “fall”. Our tool was a “can of soup/legumes”. Given the cylinder shape and the light weight, my strategy was working on the balance for the lower body and the obliques for the core. I created moves that would work on our obliques even when we were working on the legs, which reinforced the balance factor of the lower body. It was a fun Saturday, let’s see what you think:
As we enter the month of October, brace yourself because the time will continue to fly by. Have the time to stop and think for what’s ahead, and create that strategy to bring you to the “finish” of the particular path. Our paths and challenges are unlimited, and there is no “one correct” way of completing them.
A big high five to you for constantly bringing your patience and mind together!
he knows exactly where to touch before he even starts running…
Upside down fun - executed with strategy too! look how their hands are placed. :)
