EAST LANSING - Athletes are trading their pencils and books for dumbbells and barbells during the summer.

Most sport seasons are done during the summer, but athletes can spend time improving their skills. As they say your biggest gains are in the
off-season.

Training hard requires discipline and motivation but sometimes overworking the body can be counter-productive. Joe Eisenmann, Director of Spartan Performance states that progressing the intensity of your workouts help adjust your body.

"If I'm doing athletic training and I want to improve my strength, speed or agility that more is better. I need to do this everyday, not allowing my body to recover," said Eisenmann.

With higher temperatures in the summer Eisenmann said slow progression should also be applied when acclimating the body to extreme temperatures.

Hockey players have the luxury of improving on-ice skills without worrying about extreme conditions. Brad Fast, owner of Elevation and former NHL player preaches the positives of the off-season.

"Great time to get off the the ice. Give your mind and body a break. At the same time you can come in here and keep your game at the level it should be at," said Fast.

Athletes should also be disciplined when it comes to nutrition. According to Eisenmann, carbs are before the workout, proteins should be consumed after a workout and you should stay hydrated all day.

If you're on the go then you should pack your snacks in a bag to take with you throughout the day.