.png)
WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT
There are approximately 400,000 NCAA student athletes competing each year, and 5 to 7 million high school student athletes involved in competitive interscholastic sports. Data suggests that athletes are far from immune to depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders.
​
Injured Athletes studied report mental health issues.
Athletes studied showed clinically elevated depression after performance.
Injured Athletes studied experienced behavioral/mood disorders.
Additionally, every emotion triggers a physiological response which may impede performance and lead to injury. Mindfulness practices and yoga movements can help prevent burnout and improve athletic performance.
The Inner Athlete Program is a comprehensive, simple program that coaches and trainers will be trained and certified in to gain the knowledge, skills, and tools to enhance athletes’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This program is designed to implement seamlessly into the everyday training, language, and culture of the team.
REFERENCES 1. Based on numbers reported by 16 states in 2013. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1995-2013 Middle School Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data, available at http://nccd.cdc.gov/youthonline 2. Merkel, D. (2013). Youth sport: Positive and negative impact on young athletes. Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine, 151. doi:10.2147/oajsm.s33556 3. Taliaferro LA, Rienzo B, Miller MD, et al. High school youth and suicide risk: exploring protection afforded through physical activity and sport participation. J Sch Health. 2008;78:545–553. 4. Jon Almquist, Tamara C. Valovich McLeod, Angela Cavanna, Dave Jenkinson, Andrew E. Lincoln, Keith Loud, Bart C. Peterson, Craig Portwood, John Reynolds, and Thomas S. Woods (2008) Summary Statement: Appropriate Medical Care for the Secondary School-Aged Athlete. Journal of Athletic Training: Jul/Aug 2008, Vol. 43, No. 4, pp. 416-427. 5. Merikangas KR, He JP, Burstein M, et al. Lifetime prevalence of mental disorders in US adolescents: results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication–Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A). J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2010;49(10):980–989. 6. Timothy L. Neal, Alex B. Diamond, Scott Goldman, Karl D. Liedtka, Kembra Mathis, Eric D. Morse, Margot Putukian, Eric Quandt, Stacey J. Ritter, John P. Sullivan, and Victor Welzant (2015) Interassociation Recommendations for Developing a Plan to Recognize and Refer Student-Athletes With Psychological Concerns at the Secondary School Level: A Consensus Statement. Journal of Athletic Training: March 2015, Vol. 50, No. 3, pp. 231-249.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Breath Work
Coaches will learn specific breathing exercises, along with how, why, and when to use them. These breathing techniques allow athletes to respond vs. react, self-regulate, have better focus and concentration, help improve cardio vascular capacity, and strengthen internal core muscles.
Movement
Coaches will become proficient in teaching yoga-based movements and different ways to implement them into their training. These movements help release physical and emotional stress within the body, and help heal and prevent injuries through strength and flexibility.
Mindfulness &
Meditation
Coaches will learn specific techniques which will allow athletes to quiet their minds, become engaged in the present moment, and reset their minds to promote positive thought and intention. These techniques can help elevate performance and navigate day to day life.
Relaxation
Coaches will learn specific relaxation techniques, along with how, why, and when to use them. The practice of relaxation can help reduce anxiety, increase blood flow, and improve cognitive function.
Perspective
Coaches will be given topics of discussion as a tool to shift the athletes' perspective in and outside of their sport. Shifting perspective will allow athletes to deal with stress in a more positive way, and be able to respond vs. react.
Team Environment
Coaches will be provided information on how to enhance the team environment for optimal camaraderie and performance.
​
​
TRAINING DETAILS
30-Hour Training
Coaches will receive extensive training over the course of five days.
Certification
Coaches will receive a certificate indicating their completion of the Inner Athlete Mindfulness Program
Cost
Contact Inner Knowledge for more information.