There are many players on the road to athleticism, but spending day-in and day-out on the gym floor, I can tell you that there are 3 simple, yet big, players that I see as big contributors on the road to athleticism.

1. Consistency

This is #1 for a reason.

The greatest predictor of success is showing up… Period. You can have the greatest training program and go to the most well-equipped facility ever built. If you don’t show up, it won’t work.

You can make all the excuses you want, but if you are not being relentlessly consistent; getting better every day, I guarantee you someone else will be. This includes training YEAR-ROUND, yes I also mean in-season, as well as filling out training logs to track your progress.

2. Daily Intent

You show up every day… Great job!

Now what?

You must train with purpose… what are we trying to achieve and how do you get there?

The goal is to leave the training session a little better than you started. Be locked in and focused on that goal, no matter what you have planned that day. There will be times when you must adjust your training due to injuries or illness, family or school. Having those goals helps keep you on track and return to your regular schedule easier.

In the end, hoping things will work out, or just talking about it, never works! Other than injury, leave outside issues outside before you come in to train. They’re a distraction and counterproductive.

3. Recovery, Nutrition and Hydration

Ideally you will spend approximately 6-8 hours a week in the gym. But what about the other 160 hours of the week?

It is your responsibility as an athlete to take care of your body. Proper recovery allows your body to adapt to the training, allowing you to push yourself to higher levels. Nothing works better than:

- 8-10 hours of quality and consistent sleep
- Consuming an adequate amount of good calories to gain lean muscle mass
- 80-120 ounces of water daily

Anything less can lead to poor recovery, overtraining and decreased performance.

By William Walsh – Strength Coach RPP Baseball (BS, ATC, CSCS)