Getting psyched for sport - Mental fitness strategies for the aspiring athlete

Mental fitness plays a large part in training and performance. There will be times when an athlete makes a mistake (or consecutive mistakes), is competing against an opponent that has outperformed them in the past, or the conditions of play are not what was expected. Being mentally fit encapsulates many different areas of training and competition but in a nutshell, it’s the ability to ignore...Read more

Problem-solving Past a Tough Run

Spring has finally arrived and avid runners are signing up for races, lacing up their shoes, hitting the great outdoors and setting their goals. With the eagerness that comes with sunshine and warmer temperatures, having a workout where nothing seems to go right can sometimes take a bite out of your confidence. There are many reasons why someone in the middle of training for their next big race...Read more

Get the students moving! Physical activity and the classroom

The link between physical activity and academic achievement has always been an area of research that science has been keen to explore. It's great to know that there is a positive association in sport participation and grade point averages, but that's not the only benefit you can get by joining in the fun. Studies have shown that the mental skills gained through sports have a positive effect on...Read more

Overcoming setbacks: developing resilience

Athletes deal with many adverse situations ranging from injuries, to coping with pressure, to dealing with mental lapses that can derail their ability to concentrate on performing. Being able to bounce back from setbacks or situations that cannot be controlled builds resilient athletes . Going through adversity allows an athlete to experience a variety of emotions, making it possible for them to...Read more

Optimal performance in a trusting frame of mind

Athletes practice and train to be able to duplicate what they have learned from these sessions come match time. Being instinctive during a game allows for consistency and proper execution. To be able to compete at your best, an athlete’s trust in the skills learned and developed during practice can lead to better performances and build mental toughness . In team sports, players are united in the...Read more

Sport and Mental Health

Athletes are often perceived by the public to be fitter, healthier and happier than others. In fact, athletes are not immune from mental health issues, and can struggle just like the rest of us. Along with the stigma attached to mental health, especially in the sporting world where mental toughness is as valued as physical toughness, it can be difficult for athletes to seek help. That's why SIRC...Read more

College Athletes and Depression

There is a common perception that college athletes are tough and should be able to resolve problems that might lead to depression . In fact, just the opposite might be true. Having to handle what is essentially a full-time job and keep up with schoolwork might leave them feeling less well-adjusted than non-athletes. Along with the stigma attached to mental health issues, especially in the...Read more

The Art of Steeplechasing

As the Canada Summer Games and the International Association of Athletics Federation , IAAF, start taking place in August, track and field will be back on center stage. The beauty of track and field is that there are no referees or timeouts. It is all about who can get from one point to the other the fastest, who can jump the highest and longest and who can throw the furthest. Of course there are...Read more