A lost message for the former athlete, pt. 1.

Mindfulness

Dec 19

Trying to navigate what health and wellness looks like after high school or collegiate athletics?

(I apologize in advance if this “blog post” seems all over the place but as you might feel/understand, it’s hard to fully put what “former athlete” feels like into words…)

Being an athlete since I was a kid, doing all the different sports & then continuing on to play college basketball was what I knew. My life was dedicated to sports, and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity I had to compete at the D1 collegiate level for basketball. It gave so much back to me but also required sacrifice for it. Spending almost every day planning my schedule around “my sport” was what I was used to. It is what WE knew as “normal.”

Now, as a former athlete, the process of navigating through adult life comes with ups and downs. The transition from athletics to the real world is a hard one, with so many changes in almost every aspect of life.

Some things I’ve learned, battled through, felt deeply, and still continue to remind myself…

BALANCE - allow yourself to find balance by letting go of expectations, embracing CHANGE & showing yourself GRACE.
IDENTITY - Give yourself the chance to understand that there is far much more to life than just the sport we were “praised” for playing - your IDENTITY is not your sport.
PERFECTION - Realize you do NOT need to be perfect at everything, just focus on being authentically YOU and do your best at it.
TRAINING - Explore other hobbies, continue to work out/train or play in an adult sports league to help scratch that competitive edge & continue to move your body.
NUTRITION - Show yourself some compassion as you learn how to nourish your body NOW and what that looks likes for YOU.
LOVE FOR THE GAME - As hard as it feels to move on or despite everything you may have faced playing, realize how much you truly, deep down, loved the sport. It gave to us so much. It’s okay to miss it.
FREEDOM - Enjoy the extra time and freedom we have “post-sports world” to spend with yourself, friends and loved ones. :)

Nowwww I’ll touch on a few of these points below and some I’ll save for future conversations ッ

TRAINING

As a former athlete, wanting to still feel athletic but realizing we don’t need or have the time to spend 4 hours a day training (like we used to) isn’t easy to grasp. Accepting it and being content with not needing to do that anymore is live-giving. Yes, your body might change a bit and THAT IS OKAY. Doesn’t necessarily mean it will be a drastic change or that you should completely back off from working out either. Giving your body a break from the vigorous exercising you endured over your sports career is good, and probably needed for most of us. Then regroup and find a routine that works for you, to take care of your body, long term.

Now I say that because after sports, people have different “body goals” they may want to strive for. Some could care less and some it doesn’t even phase them. Some may want to lose some muscle mass, even maintain or gain. Then others might have to focus on healing themselves and their bodies first. Many athletes might need extra time to heal and recover due to previous injuries or the internal impacts from high levels of stress & strenuous activity over their athletic career (me - a story for another time).

Wherever you fall in that spectrum is okay because it’s what YOU need to do, to be healthy and support your body’s needs. We were not meant to maintain that hectic lifestyle forever. We can still prioritize our health and take care of our bodies through training, nutrition and the multitude of other health-conscious activities that are available now-a-days (physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually).

Do it in a way that works for YOU, to stay healthy & athletic. And in my personal opinion - you should. It’s good for you.

The training aspect now may not look exactlyyyyy like it did when you were competitively competing. We are no longer training specifically for our sports. Your life demands, needs, goal might be different in adult life and I’m sure will continue to change as you go through various seasons of life. You might have to explore new workout styles, see what challenges you, see what you enjoy and meets your goals/needs. That could be my Forever an Athlete Membership Program, yoga, cycling, running, joining a fitness class, the list goes on! And as we grow up and encounter new stages of life - your workout style will continue to adapt and change with you, if needed! THAT IS OKAY (hard to grasp, I get it).

HEALTH BENEFITS OF TRAINING - no matter the style of training you engage in - moving your body is super beneficial for the following reasons:

Improved Functional Capacity - improve cardiovascular health, heart health, immune function and increased metabolism
Injury Prevention - prevent risk of bone fractures, falls, osteoporosis, muscle strains
Maintain or Gain Stronger Body - decrease pain in body, decrease body fat, improve bone density, increase muscle mass & tissue strength, improve body composition, improve flexibility/stability/balance/coordination
Improved Quality of Life - increase longevity, decrease risk of all-cause mortality, improve sleep & sleep quality, improve appetite, diminish effects of aging, increase daily energy and reduce fatigue
Improve Brain/Mental Health - improve brain function, self-confidence, mood, memory, self-control; decrease depression/anxiety/brain atrophy
Nutrition - understanding new nutritional needs to provide body with nutrients, vitamins, carbs/proteins/fats, ect to heal your body, recover and aid in benefitting all the reasons listed above.

Ditch the mindset that you have to do more and more and more to “keep” your “sport body.” It will only hinder you. Enjoy life, enjoy nourishing your body well and enjoy moving your body because how it makes you FEEL.

FRIENDS - that is why I made the Forever an Athlete Membership Program - to help transition & figure out what life looks like as a former athlete (no matter the level played at). For those who want to train to be healthy, functional, and enjoy life at the SAME time - to be a forever athlete in life.

So be patient, show grace & find a new routine that works with your new adult load.

LOVE FOR THE GAME

I’m guessing we all starting playing our sport out of pure enjoyment and love for the game.

We all probably experienced different playing environments and opportunities. We battled, endured and faced frustrations YET made lifelong friends, lasting memories, traveled the country, experienced thrilling emotions, and felt the support of loved ones cheering us on despite the ups and downs.

All because of the love we felt for a game we started playing as kids.

Everything you, I, WE faced as athletes, good or bad, helped shape us for our future. It grew us, made us stronger, taught us valuable lessons, showed us the importance of teamwork, commitment, discipline, the list goes on… it all served a purpose (whether we see it now our not) and we can be thankful for that.

And it’s okay to miss it. The game impacted our lives so much. It’s okay to miss the craziness of playing and all that went into preparing for season, in-season work and all the extra’s. It was competitive, fun, thrilling, something you could give your ALL into. It helped shape you and myself into who we are today. Missing the game is good, it shows you had genuine passion and love for it. Now we can hopefully give that same passion back to younger kids, like someone once gave to us.

Because life still requires everything it took you to be an athlete, just competing in a different arena. Own it. Strive to be the best version of yourself in each new phase of life you encounter & dominate. Because that’s all you can do, and that is enough.

So so much more could be said on this subject and I’m sure we’ve all had our own share of experiences, so to end this conversation for now.. just know you aren’t alone. Sometimes talking with other people or former athletes about the process of moving on, helps to know you truly aren’t alone in the transition. Then you can help each other navigate the next steps and be a LIGHT to someone else needing help too ッ

You are loved and appreciated as you are.

Much love,

Addison ッ
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#adding2yourlife

Addison Stoller

“I started working out with Addy from home when I fractured my wrist and needed surgery. I wanted to do what I could to keep working other muscles in my body while my wrist healed. My overall strength improved as my wrist improved and thanks to Addy, I was able to complete a Spartan Super event just 3 months later, which included several upper body obstacles! I really appreciate the warm up, cool down stretches and the flexibility and mobility that was regularly worked into all the workouts. I feel like I was kinder to my body with Addy as my trainer, and I learned how to work my body effectively without pushing too hard and overdoing it. Her workouts helped me see the value of quality over quantity, and of being more intentional in my movements.

— Tresa M, 1:1 Online Training

“The app is amazing. The workouts are easy to follow. You still get the feel of one on one, in-person coaching even when you live 12 hours away from your coach! Customized workouts for you, at your fingertips! Simple and easy to use at home or at a gym. I love my Add to Life workouts ❤️”

— Olivia S, 1:1 Online Training

“After months of feeling unhealthy, out-of-shape, and insecure about my body, Addy has helped me turn that around. The Strong Girl Summer Program is challenging, yet doable and empowering. It has been a constant for me and something I’ve added to my daily routine. I’m so glad this program was available to me. I encourage anyone who is feeling in a rut with their health to give one of Addison’s programs a try!”

— Mikayla J, Strong Girl Summer Program

“Addison is really great to work with and her passion for fitness is evident. Her workouts are easy to follow and have clear instructions while giving you a challenge. She consistently checks in on you and is always willing to help if needed. I truly feel like I have learned more about fitness and my overall health has benefited from this program!”

— Kenadee E, Add to Life Training Membership

“Addy does an excellent job. She has a knack at knowing what to say and how to say it. She provides great accountability and encouragement, yet gentle and realistic. She helped establish habits, work towards my goals and customized a training program for my current lifestyle.”

— Calley K, 1:1 Online Training

"Add to Life has been a huge help in improving my overall health and wellness. The accountability and support is amazing! I love having the option to workout from home and that each workout takes me about 25-35 minutes. I enjoy the different workouts each day; yet love the consistency of doing the same/similar movements each month - helps me stay confident and focused on doing each movement correctly! I have been following a training program by Addy for several months and have noticed my strength improving and feeling more toned.”

— Sue S, 1:1 Online Training

“Addy’s program came into my life at the perfect time. I was just starting to exercise and make better eating habits but was stuck on what to do. Addy helped me get on the right track by personalizing a workout program for me, someone who has never really worked out before! I love how she includes examples for each workout and goes along with my pace and needs. She is so supportive and I love how she encourages me through out the week! If you are looking to make a life change, Add to Life is the way to go!”

— KIMBERLY H, ADD TO LIFE TRAINING MEMBERSHIP

“I have been using Addison’s programs for 3 months now and am loving them! They are so simple yet so effective! The best part about them is that Addison is willing to help in anyway. Whether it be about workouts, nutrition, or just life she is always there to give advice! I have used other programs before with other coaches, and I can truly say she is the most involved one I have ever had which is why I am meeting my goals better than ever!! I would highly suggest adding her programs into your everyday life!”

— CLARISA W, ADD TO LIFE TRAINING MEMBERSHIP

“Addy has been such a supportive influence and inspiration in my life. She gives helpful and knowledgeable content. Her program allows for way access to a healthier path. Not only does she support your health journey but also your journey with God. She personalizes to what you want and allows room for growth in every aspect. Addy has made such a positive impact on my health and growth in life.”

— KRISTEN W, 1:1 Online Training

“Addy personalized everything to my needs/wants. She is constantly there supporting and encouraging me! Her workouts are easy to follow and there are examples of how to do each move. You won’t regret adding her program to your life!”

— LEXIE KAEB, 1:1 Online Training