I proposed a challenge during my Drum Corps' off season to do drum corps twice a week until the season resumes. I don't know who's doing it and who's not, and keeping tabs on everyone is not the point. It's more of a challenge for each member individually to stay up on their game. No one to answer to except themselves. The challenge can be for anything that will improve performance, including working out to build endurance or core strength, doing basics with equipment, dancing, performing, for the musicians practicing their instrument, anything. Just to keep your own mind on drum corps while mentally and physically preparing for the next season.
I have honestly found this challenging. I'm not much for working out, but I try to get it in at least once a week. Spinning riffle is something I can work on to an extent throughout the winter because I'm a beginner with riffle and I can do some basics inside. Another thing that I've been doing is working on my core strength. My stomach doesn't look a lot different than it did in August, but I can always feel it the next day. Not always seeing results can be a big part of the frustration, along with not having an instructor there to tell me if I'm forming a bad habit which makes me second guess myself.
So how do we stay motivated? In times like these I have to remind myself that the only thing that will set me back is NOT doing anything. So, I might not have a full six pack, but that doesn't mean my stomach muscles aren't stronger. So I might not be able to run 3 miles without stopping, but doing 40 minutes of cardio in my living room will build my endurance for a 12 minute show. I'm not going to win the battle in the off season but I can increase my chances for success in the season by starting now. No efforts are wasted, only the lack of effort is.
Feel free to introduce Mrs. T's challenge to your color guard during the off season. Most likely not every one will do it, but if even one person does it or multiple people attempt it, you could really start the season off strong.
