Although the 2019 tour season is rapidly approaching, we’re still deep in the middle of the sport’s offseason, giving you time for more rest and relaxation or extra days to fit in some much-needed training and practice. There seems to be a divide amongst players when it comes to how to spend their few months off each year – do you rest, put your discs in the closet, and enjoy other activities? Or, is this your time to train hard and go big next year?

Perhaps it doesn’t need to be so polarized, as there are many ways you can train during the offseason without feeling like you don’t get a break. Let’s explore some unique ways to train your body and evaluate your previous season in order to have more success in the coming year.

Back To The Basics

There’s something to be said for traditional cardio and weight training exercises, as we see many top players posting various photos of themselves in the gym on social media. Despite the fact that disc golf is a sport that nearly anyone can play, it does take a certain level of physical fitness not only to execute the shots needed to win but also to have the stamina to play event after event with few breaks in between.

Everyone will tell you they have their own schedule that works best for them, but ultimately you get to choose if running, lifting, or workout videos will suit you. Do you want to train hard and only take one or two days off per week? That’s your prerogative, but making sure you allow both your mind and body time to recover during the offseason is just as important as getting into top physical condition.

Alternative Methods Of Training

Some players find that other ways of staying physically active serve them much better than hitting the gym. Routines like yoga or pilates have incredible benefits, offering you moves that strengthen your core and help increase your overall level of fitness. There’s something to be said for these types of exercises from a mental standpoint as well, as they are often more fun, relaxing, and centering than other activities.

You can get creative with your offseason training and integrate weekly basketball games, spending time at a Crossfit gym, or even just increase your amount of field practice too. There’s no particular way that it has to look in order for you to see success. For more ideas on how to train during the offseason, take a look at these recommendations.

Mind Over Matter

Finding success on the disc golf course has as much to do with our physical performance as it does our mental standpoint. When you’re not working out, spend some time truly analyzing your areas of opportunity from the previous season. Did you find your drives came up a little shorter than you know you’re capable of? How about needing to rework your putting stance to find more success outside of the circle?

Others might need to brush up on disc knowledge and expand what’s in their bag, allowing them to have a wider variety of shots to choose from. For some, the problem might be that there are too many choices in the bag and thus selecting the right disc for a shot becomes harder than it should be.

Whether you spend some quality time out on the field or on a practice basket in a garage, there’s no wrong way to take advantage of the offseason. What exercise routines work best for you and your style of playing, and how do you think you’ll find more success in 2019? Give us your thoughts in the comments below!