MayJune2005

Plan, Participate, Produce...Results

By Jim Parker

When Deanna asked G.I. Gym to produce an article on the 'Three Ps', I had to put on the old thinking cap. To be honest, I am not the best planner, despite knowing how important this is to achieving success in life and athletics. And obviously, if one expects results in anything, one has to participate in order to get those results. So I guess the 'equation' then is planning + participating = results.

I would think that with the extremely busy lives you skating athletes live, planning - both short and long term - would be absolutely vital! I mean, anyone can just participate in stuff, but it is the prep and planning that goes into that participation that brings specific achievements and results. And, because G.I. Gym's role in all this is to discuss exercise and health, let's see how the Three Ps come into play in this venue.

I think planning for exercise and your sport is pretty straightforward. Like any formula or equation, there are a mixture of factors that if added together (IF they are the correct factors!) give you the results you want. The following are the exercise ingredients or factors I think should make up your plan(s): Time of year, level of ability, facilities available, level of fitness, body components that need work, desired goals, family, friend and coaching support, time availability, available experts, school and athletic commitments, social life, your age, health and COMMITTMENT TO SUCCESS!! I think it is absolutely imperative that you write down your goals and hoped-for results. These must be short, intermediate and long term. More importantly, they must be 'realistic'. The next step is to go back and look at all the factors involved, put them in some order and compose a rough draft of a plan. I am very big on going to the 'experts' for help - just as you go to your coach to improve your skating. I suggest you take your 'first draft' of your exercise plan and goals to a local, qualified exercise trainer who understands your sport. With this person, you should refine the plan into one that is workable, do-able and achievable. Consult your skating friends, family and coach. In other words, 'set yourself up for success'. The most important component of a plan? The 'check-off boxes'! That's right! You should be able to SEE what you have achieved!

Participating is more than merely lacing up your skates. I think you should add 'intelligent' in front of it and 'fully' and, and . . . What I am saying is that with a plan, participating becomes time efficient, goal-orientated and super effective! Because you've set goals and steps and you've come prepared, knowing what you are going to do and why, your participation produces... you guessed it, RESULTS! And results that you created planned for and expected! Now ask yourself, "What results do I want?"

SkateExchange If you love Gam Skates, check out our “sell off” of Gam Skates on the Skate Exchange page, along with all the other great skates being offered!

Fashion Forecast It’s a great time of year for us to be making “plans” for new dresses to go with the new music and new solos that you’re working on as competitive skaters. So what are some of the new trends to watch for this year?

The colour green is really hot. Not so much the dark evergreen greens but brighter more apple green colours that you have been so big on the fashion front. Citrus colours such as tangerine and lemon are also popular, along with clear strong colours like pink, turquoise, sky blue and royal blue. Pastel pink and baby blue are still popular in outerwear garments like cozy fleece jackets and scarves. Long sleeves are making a comeback, after several years of spaghetti strap dresses but the sleeves are often lighter materials such as mesh or lace.

Dance dresses are making a very strong statement. Look for more and more dance dresses available even in children’s sizes. In practice wear, one-piece Unitards are a great sleek look for the ice. And skirts are making resurgence in a many variations of different styles.

Boy’s Sweaters, long sleeved, V-neck, 100% non-pill acrylic sweaters - $5 bucks, $5 bucks, $5 bucks!! Available in Navy or Black, these sweaters wash easily in the washing machine and last through all the boys can put them through! (Regular Price $39.98)

pants are now 50% off while quantities last! Youth pant regular price $42.98 Adult pant regular price $44.98

Welcome Summer - means revised summer hours! Go to www.dresswright.com to check our new hours for the months of May and June.

Good Luck, Skate Hard - 'til next time!

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May/June 2005 Edition