How Performance Lifestyle helps Victorian athletes — Victorian Institute of Sport

October is recognised globally and in Australia as Mental Health Awareness Month, with World Mental Health Day noticed on 10 October. For the VIS, it represents an opportunity to focus on the significance of wellbeing throughout the institute.

According to VIS Performance Lifestyle Manager Leesa Gallard, the Performance Lifestyle crew ship an revolutionary and proactive program that empowers athletes to thrive in excessive efficiency environments whereas additionally supporting their wellbeing, private growth, and profession aspirations.

“It is really important because it is continuing to educate, to shine a light, and to upskill people…showing that the wellbeing of athletes and of the entire VIS belongs to everyone and we all have a part to play,” stated Gallard. 

“Yes, we have a Performance Lifestyle team, but it is also about how every staff member interacts with athletes and how we work together as a team across the athlete performance support services and the wider VIS to support athlete wellbeing and performance.”

“Specifically for Performance Lifestyle, we’re really at the core of bringing the VIS mission to life; empowering athletes to succeed in sport and life.  The work we do can help athletes align their life to their performance goals and thrive outside of sport as well.”

The program prioritises supporting athletes to pursue twin careers, whether or not by means of training, work, or skilled pathways.

“It’s really important that all athletes have a dual career, to have a purpose and identity outside of sport. Be that at school, pursuing university, TAFE, a casual job or a professional career where they’re gaining skills for now and for the future, as well as financially supporting themselves,” stated Gallard.

Performance Lifestyle additionally emphasises a number of identities, serving to athletes develop as each athletes and as contributors to their communities, households, and broader society.

The VIS has been a pioneer in Performance Lifestyle help, embedding it throughout the institute for over 30 years.  The identify could have modified over time nonetheless the aim and intent has remained to help athletes in sport and life.

“The strength of Performance Lifestyle lies in its ability to address both the practical and personal aspects of an athlete’s life. By providing comprehensive, personalised support, we ensure athletes can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a foundation for life during and beyond sport.”

VIS Senior Performance Lifestyle Adviser, Kim Gray, helps the VIS Netball Development and Melbourne Vixens packages.

High efficiency sport comes with distinctive psychological well being challenges, together with stress to carry out and meet expectations, in addition to dealing with damage and rehabilitation. 

“That’s why it’s great that we have interdisciplinary performance teams who work together to determine what’s required to best support the athlete at that time.  We see the athlete as a person first and provide individualised tailored support.” Gallard explains.

In addition to Performance Lifestyle, the VIS interdisciplinary efficiency groups are manufactured from consultants throughout teaching, efficiency psychology, efficiency science, bodily preparation, sports activities drugs, sports activities physiotherapy and vitamin.

“What does wellbeing mean to you?” Gallard displays.

“It can mean different things on different days, but at the core it means being able to contribute with purpose and intent, giving your best to what you’re doing – whether that’s performing as an athlete, being a performance support team member, or for your family or friends. Being able to show up and bring your best self and deal with what’s happening in your life.”

Through professional steerage, tailor-made methods, and holistic help, the VIS Performance Lifestyle crew ensures athletes are outfitted to satisfy calls for of elite sport and to prioritise their wellbeing.  

This built-in strategy offers Victorian athletes a novel benefit, permitting them to pursue sporting benchmarks whereas growing the abilities, resilience, and confidence to thrive in life.

By Sarah Dyce
Victorian Institute of Sport