Summertime Grind | Preparation, Performance, Recovery

In the midst of the off-season, for athletes it's vital to maintain strength and refine your skill sets. Various athletes look to enhance their performance by bettering their mind, body, and souls. At times athletes may find it challenging to keep up with their workouts and recovery sessions, here's some tips that can help prep you for your training and athletic performance.

“How Important is Recovery to you ? ”

Recovery is an integral tool for physical development of the body. Recovery sessions are just as important as your training sessions,  create good habits such as: stretching, foam rolling, ice baths, and resting. These little adjustments will pave the way to optimal athletic performance.

In my previous years, I was so used to training at a high intensity level and duration of time that I would undermine the importance of recovery. My focus has shifted for the better, maximizing my recovery time, off days, and post-workout rituals has helped me progress in my training and athletic performance.

“How often do you have your recovery sessions?”

The moment my training session or game is over I take full advantage of utilizing the tools needed for a healthy recovery. I would do some static stretching and refuel with a protein shake or light meal.  If I get an off day or have no games, I'm recovering.

“Treat the body like a temple. One Mind, body, and soul.”

Here are some tips to help elevate your training and athletic performance

Nutrition:  Create a habit of eating a light meal after your session, this also can be a protein shake. In order to perform the body needs fuel and essential nutrients.

Post-Workout Ritual: It's very important to implement a post-workout routine that helps kick-start the recovery process. Soft tissue work, and stretching is a great start to recovery.

On to the Next: Look forward to your next workout, game, or activity.

Educate Yourself: Find ways to enhance your knowledge on training, health, recovery, etc.

Next time your heading to workout try to use of one these tips and the results will follow.

Athletic Therapist: Josh Alferez

Athlete: Hussein Abdullahi

Photos By: Richard M. (@bovnrich)

California Dreams | Destiny

       Everyone wants to make it on the big screen in Cali, from the athletes and entertainers to the successful business reps. Dreams separate the believers and doers from the average joe. Less than the 10 percent of the world have the courage to follow their dreams and life aspirations. In late may I made the decision that I wasn’t going to let anything stand in the way of my dream, So I hoped on a plane and flew over 2100 miles to Los Angeles. I’ve always told myself “In order to attract certain situations into my life, I need to be in the presence of great people”.

        May 23rd 2017, I had the opportunity to meet an important figure by the name of Charles J Lovely Sr. The Baton Rouge native has been known for his major contributions within the LA community, his objective always been to give back. Over the course of 30 years he has impacted various lives in a positive manner. Coach Pops been coaching in Drew League for over 2 decades, currently he coaches 2 teams in the Drew and has former players on almost all 26 teams. In addition to Coach Pops' involvement in the Drew, he also runs a non-profit agency aimed to help at-risk-youths in the Los Angeles County. His selfless nature allows him to open his door with welcoming arms; he’s been a father figure to a lot of young men dealing with their fair share of hardships.

         From my personal experience with Coach Pops,  he’s been a genuine, energetic, God-Fearing man who emphasizes to provide love, support, stability,  and knowledge to individuals. Destiny and faith is what led me to be in the presence of greatness, being able to learn from a well-educated figure was a blessing in disguise.  Coach Pops opened the door of opportunity for me, being the 1st Canadian Collegiate player to play in the Drew League. Most importantly, the life philosophies that I’ve emulated from my trip gives me a chance to apply it in my daily life.

        I would like to thank God for allowing this to be possible and Mr. Charles J. Lovely Sr. for everything he has done for the community and people that came before myself, I’m eternally grateful.

Coach/Figure: Charles J. Lovely Sr. ( aka Pops)

Photo by: NJB Media

“Always give with the intentions of purpose, never do it because you would like to receive something in return - Charles J Lovely Sr. ”