VOL. XVII, NO. 8
FEBRUARY 6, 1976
Viewpoint
Athletic Ability Increases Better With Conditioning
Athletic Ability Increases Better With Conditioning
By SUE SZILAGYI
What it takes to be conditioned for a sport properly is many times the question that arises in an athlete's mind. There are several obvious actions that every athlete must follow: a healthy diet, plenty of rest, and time to practice.
As the old saying goes, "practice makes perfect" and nothing can take its place. However, the methods used in practice are just as important. Many athletes stagnate their improvement solely because they disregard one very important factor in practice- the perfection of technique. Often times it has been said, "It's not what you do but how well you do it." Athletes would find many times that the perfection of technique brings consistency, and that once an athlete is consistent in a lower skill it is much easier to learn a new and more difficult skill.
What it takes to be conditioned for a sport properly is many times the question that arises in an athlete's mind. There are several obvious actions that every athlete must follow: a healthy diet, plenty of rest, and time to practice.
As the old saying goes, "practice makes perfect" and nothing can take its place. However, the methods used in practice are just as important. Many athletes stagnate their improvement solely because they disregard one very important factor in practice- the perfection of technique. Often times it has been said, "It's not what you do but how well you do it." Athletes would find many times that the perfection of technique brings consistency, and that once an athlete is consistent in a lower skill it is much easier to learn a new and more difficult skill.
However, no matter how careful any athlete may be, there is always the possibility that an injury may occur and that is why it is necessary to know the proper procedure to take. Without proper care an athlete may not only injure himself or herself further but also lose skills and technique due to the inability to perform properly.
The most important factor, however, is not athletic conditioning but the condition of the mind. The word can't should not exist in any athlete's mind. Persistence and a proper attitude can make the difference between the mediocre athlete and the champion. Without the proper attitude any disappointment or upset would cause a loss in part of conditioning.
This year being an Olympic year, a great emphasis will be placed on sports. As rising athletes and non‑athletes view the champions of the various events, viewers may keep in mind that to be a champion in anything it takes conditioning as well as talent.
The most important factor, however, is not athletic conditioning but the condition of the mind. The word can't should not exist in any athlete's mind. Persistence and a proper attitude can make the difference between the mediocre athlete and the champion. Without the proper attitude any disappointment or upset would cause a loss in part of conditioning.
This year being an Olympic year, a great emphasis will be placed on sports. As rising athletes and non‑athletes view the champions of the various events, viewers may keep in mind that to be a champion in anything it takes conditioning as well as talent.