HEALTH

The weather may still be chilly, but spring will be here before ya know it, and so will spring tryouts. No matter what spring sport you want to play, it’s time to put in work so you can make the team and spend the spring playng your fave game. Here’s how to start prepping for tryouts so that when they finally roll around, you’ll be totally prepared and awesome instead of underprepared and overwhelmed.

Stay active.

In order to be your best when it’s time for tryouts, you need to stay active in every way. Try signing up for a winter sport. Even if basketball isn’t your passion and lacrosse is, give basketball a shot (pun intended). Not only will you get to hang out with a different set of girls from your usual lacrosse buddies, but you’ll get in a good workout everyday so you don’t have to worry about missng a beat. If you’re the head of the debate team and don’t have time to play a team sport, don’t stress—just try to stay as active as much possible. Is your mom always going to the swim at the local indoor pool? Tag along and swim some laps. Whatever you can do to get your heart pumping will totally help in preparation for tryouts.

Make a schedule.

Winter can be relaxing because it’s the perfect excuse to curl up in front of the fireplace and ignore your workouts altogether (we're guilty, too)—but don’t let that be you! Make your workout part of your daily routine (just like doing your homework). If you’re trying out for tennis, pencil in your planner that 3 days a week after school, you’ll hit the tennis courts and practice for 30 minutes. If it’s rainy out, make sure to stay active inside by trying some new stretches or wall exercises indoors. Whatever you do, make your sweat sesh a part of your regular routine—you’ll be glad you did (we promise).

Test out the equipment you'll be using.

Make sure you work out a few times using the equipment you’re planning to use during tryouts. Nothing is worse than your cleat falling apart or your shin guards being out-of-control itchy on the first day of tryouts when you’re already a little nervous...same goes for your outfit! You don’t want to find out your sports bra is two sizes too small when you start the warm-up. Do yourself a favor and test these things out a few times before the big day—you’ll eliminate a world of problems this way.

Get that H20 in.

It’s no secret that water is vital to human life, but sometimes we can be a little careless when it comes to water intake. If you want your tryouts to go smoothly, up your water intake a few weeks before tryouts. Not only will your skin look flawless, but you you’ll feel so much better about yourself. Plus, you’re definitely going to need that extra water when you’re sweatin’ it up the week of tryouts!

Rest up, too.

Working out is key to prepping for spring tryouts, but so is a little rest and relaxation. Don’t push yourself too hard—your body needs a break every once in a while. If you workout too hard and too often, it can take a toll on your bod. Take a few days a week to give your muscles a break. Take a bubble bath, paint your nails, do something more relaxing with the time you’d normally spend workout out.

Sometimes we have those days where we just can’t get out of bed and on the treadmill. It’s okay, it happens to everyone, but Pinterest can actually really help with that. Log onto Pinterest and start browsing the Health and Fitness and Quotes sections. Soon, you’ll be bombarded with cool workouts, happy, healthy (and hot) people, and quotes encouraging you to be your best. Trust us—after we perouse Pinterest for 15 minutes or so, we’re actually excited to work out (no, but really).

Paperwork prep.

Now that you’ve done everything to make sure your body is fully prepped for tryouts, don’t forget one of the most important elements: the paperwork. Almost every school requires students to fill out paperwork of some kind to participate in sports—don’t be the one who forgets (trust us; there’s ALWAYS someone who forgets). Make sure you’ve gotten your yearly physical, a note from your doctor, a permission slip from mom, and whatever else your school asks for. The last thing you want is to be forbidden from playing because paperwork slipped your mind—get it done in advance!

Got any tips for being super prepped and ready for your first day of tryouts? Share in the comments below.

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