Ancient Wisdom, Modern Athletes

My studies in Chinese medicine focused on the uniqueness of each individual. We each have slightly different constitutions and physiology, requiring different therapeutic programs to achieve health and healing. Sports training should be viewed in that same light. Besides a unique physiology, we all have varying stressors outside of sports training which also affect our response to workouts. A training program that works for one athlete may not work for another. Furthermore, what worked for you last year might not work as well this year! 

Chinese medicine also emphasizes that the mind-body-spirit complex is a seamless, integrated whole. Every thought, every movement, every action is a manifestation of our body’s Qi (vital energy)! So our athletic training must be viewed within the context of all the physical and emotional activities in our lives. This means that in addition to scheduling easier recovery days or weeks in your training, it is equally important to have relaxation time to quiet the mind, rejuvenate the body, and just be. During scheduled recovery weeks, give yourself more rest from all activities, not just your sports training.

And understand that extra rest is especially important when healing a sports injury. So if you are ever sidelined by an injury, resist the temptation to replace all your training time with long, exhausting hours at work. By moderating all activities, the body can devote its energy and resources to healing the injury and recovering quickly.

If we are committed to our health, athletic longevity, and peak performance, then finding an optimal balance is a must. In doing so, we should take a holistic view of our sports training within the context of all the physical and emotional stressors we must manage in our lives.

Chances are, if you truly listen to your body, and use common sense and intuition, you can be your own best coach. In juggling work, family, social life, and athletic training, you must take ultimate responsibility for knowing your own body. Recognize the early signs of overtraining, illness, or injury. Be proactive in logging your responses to training, and if you have a coach, work with him or her to fine-tune your program for optimal performance. With an intelligent and mindful approach, we can each develop a healthy, balanced, and long-lasting relationship with our sports.