The hidden currents of Canadian sport: A deep dive with SIRC’s new podcast 

In the world of sports, we often celebrate the visible: the gold medals, the game-winning goals, the perfect routines executed under the bright lights of competition. But beneath the surface of every athletic performance lies a complex web of forces—psychological, structural, and cultural—that shape an athlete’s journey long before they ever step into competition.  This…

Optimism, mindfulness, and enhanced performance

Traits like optimism, pessimism, and mindfulness impact athletes’ performance and well-being. While no age, gender, sport type, or education differences were found in these traits in a recently published study, optimism was linked to higher levels of mindfulness.

Fostering positive development in elite youth sport

A new review of the academic literature shows that positive engagement and development in elite youth sport hinge on supportive environments, strong relationships, and age-appropriate training. Remember, even top performers need developmentally appropriate activities that focus on overall well-being, ensuring they thrive both in and out of sport.

Testosterone and sport performance

Higher testosterone levels are linked to faster sprint times in young male athletes, offering a potential edge in performance. While female athletes showed no correlation, males with higher testosterone ran significantly faster in 20 m and 30 m sprints.

Vegetarian diets vs omnivorous diets for athletes

Despite dietary differences, vegetarian and omnivorous athletes perform similarly, though vegetarians consume more carbs and less protein and fat. For optimal performance, personalized nutrition is crucial, regardless of diet.

Goal setting and sport performance

Process goals, centered on specific actions and strategies such as improving technique or maintaining mental focus, have shown to boost sports performance and self-efficacy more effectively than performance and outcome-based goals.

Tailoring sport psychology services for masters athletes

Research focused on mental performance consultants shows that adult-oriented sport psychology services can be an important support for Masters athletes. Interviews with 10 Canadian professionals revealed the importance of tailoring content to performance readiness, balancing priorities, preserving enjoyment, and addressing age-related challenges.

Prospective Examination of Special Olympics Sport Retention in Ontario – Infographic

Move Her Mind: Creating Inclusive Spaces for Women and Girls

The more we move, the better we feel. In 2022 a global study commissioned by sportswear company ASICS, The State of Mind Index, studied people’s physical activity levels and mental wellbeing across the globe. In their first Move Every Mind Report, not only did ASICS learn that physical activity has a powerful impact on our…

Benefits of pre-exercise stretching

Regular stretching is common among athletes as an injury prevention and warm up method. A recent study finds that regularly stretching before exercising and sticking to a routine can lower the chances of muscular or tendon injuries, especially in sports like running. Additionally, regular stretching may even improve balance and lower the risk of falling.