For exclusive episode content, check out www.AdamLoiacono.com Miguel Motolongo, a strength coach and athletic trainer, shares his journey in sports medicine and his passion for helping athletes outside of sports. He discusses his experiences with LAFC and being part of the bubble during the pandemic. Miguel also talks about the importance of managing anxiety and performance anxiety in athletes and how breathing exercises and visualization can help. He emphasizes the impact of athletic identity and the challenges athletes face when they are removed from their sport. Miguel suggests periodizing psychological skills, such as breathing and visualization, to help athletes manage pressure and enhance performance. Miguel Motolongo discusses the integration of visualization and skills training in sports, the challenges of quantifying the impact of psychological skills, and the importance of motivation and listening in athlete development. He emphasizes the need to incorporate visualization and mental skills training into the season and off-season, and highlights the potential relationship between visualization and biometrics like HRV. Motolongo also shares insights on fostering motivation and relatedness in athletes, and the importance of understanding their individual needs and experiences. He concludes by discussing the small wins in sports, such as winning championships, and the significance of listening and vulnerability in building team culture.
KEY TOPICS
Managing anxiety and performance anxiety is crucial for athletes' mental well-being and performance.
Breathing exercises and visualization can help athletes reduce anxiety and improve focus.
Athletes often struggle with their identity when they are removed from their sport, and it is important to support them during this transition.
Periodizing psychological skills, such as breathing and visualization, can help athletes manage pressure and enhance performance.
Creating protocols and plans can help reduce pressure and ensure consistent and effective care for athletes. Integrating visualization and skills training can enhance performance in sports.
Quantifying the impact of psychological skills in a game-like situation is challenging, but research shows the benefits.
Motivation in athletes can be fostered by addressing their intrinsic desires and needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness.
Listening to athletes and understanding their individual experiences is crucial for their development and building trust.
Small wins in sports include winning championships and creating a culture of vulnerability and support.