| Abstrakt: |
The aim of this case study was to evaluate the effects of integrated mind–body training in an elite surfing athlete. The mental training included the development of mental techniques (self-talk/internal monologue and mental imagery), mental skills (emotional regulation, state of presence, self-awareness, self-control, and self-confidence), life and performance coaching sessions (behavior improvement), and meditation and breathing techniques. The physical training consisted of "educating a conscious athlete" (he knows what he needs to do and why he is doing it); increasing muscles; perfecting the joint functions; developing physical capabilities of power, strength, and speed endurance; and exploring the same behaviors and mental skills integrated in the mind training. The athlete had his best classifications after the beginning of the intervention: third place in the Championship Tour in 2018, fourth place in 2019, second in 2021, and first in 2022, without any injuries, suspensions, or 25th-place classification in a surfing competition (the worst possible classification, which had happened in all previous years). Improvement in his behavior and lifestyle also helped the athlete realize his dreams. The result suggests that mind–body training might have contributed to his improvement and stability in the years 2018–2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
