#optimizing athletic performance

[labsportstherapy]

Common Specializations of a Sports Physical Therapist

A sports physical therapist is a specialized type of PT who has additional training and experience in working with athletes and active individuals. They focus on treating sports-related injuries, optimizing athletic performance, and helping prevent future injuries.

[tatumeyecare]

Boost Your Athletic Performance with Eye Workouts: Best Tips for Athletes

In the world of sports, the difference between victory and defeat often comes down to split-second decisions and keen visual perception. Athletes rely heavily on their eyes to track a flying ball, assess opponents' movements, and make crucial judgments. To gain an edge in your athletic pursuits, consider incorporating eye workouts into your training regimen. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the world of eye workouts and provide you with tips and exercises to elevate your athletic performance.

Eye Workouts: The Key to Athletic Excellence

Athletic success isn't just about physical strength and endurance; it's also about mental agility and visual acuity. Your eyes play a pivotal role in how you perceive and react to your surroundings, making eye workouts a crucial aspect of your training routine.

The Science Behind Eye Workouts

Understanding how eye workouts benefit athletes is essential before delving into the exercises themselves. When you engage in targeted eye exercises, you're essentially training your eye muscles and enhancing the communication between your eyes and brain. This improved connection leads to quicker reaction times and enhanced peripheral vision.

Benefits of Eye Workouts for Athletes

Sharper Focus: Eye workouts help you maintain a laser-like focus on the task at hand, whether it's tracking a ball or spotting an opponent's weakness.

Improved Reaction Time: Enhancing your visual perception through eye exercises can significantly reduce your reaction time, giving you a competitive edge.

Better Coordination: Stronger eye muscles contribute to improved hand-eye coordination, a critical skill in many sports.

Reduced Eye Fatigue: Regular eye workouts can alleviate eye strain caused by prolonged screen time or intense training sessions.

Incorporating Eye Workouts into Your Training

Now that you understand the benefits, let's explore how you can integrate eye workouts into your training regimen effectively.

Warm-Up Exercises

Before diving into intense eye workouts, it's essential to warm up your eye muscles. These exercises prepare your eyes for more strenuous activities.

Eye Rolling: Gently roll your eyes in a circular motion, both clockwise and counterclockwise, for 30 seconds each. This exercise increases blood flow to your eye muscles.

Focus Shifting: Choose an object and switch your focus between it and an object in the distance. Repeat for one minute to improve your ability to shift focus quickly.

Strengthening Exercises

To enhance your athletic performance, you need exercises that target your eye muscles directly.

Pencil Push-Ups: Hold a pencil vertically at arm's length and slowly bring it closer to your nose while keeping it in focus. Repeat this movement for 10 reps. This exercise strengthens your eye's convergence ability.

Visual Tracking: Use a small moving object, like a pen, and follow it with your eyes as smoothly as possible. Do this for one minute in different directions to enhance your tracking skills.

Sport-Specific Exercises

Tailor your eye workouts to your specific sport to maximize their effectiveness.

Basketball Dribble Focus: While dribbling a basketball, focus on an object or point in the distance. This exercise improves your ability to maintain concentration during dynamic movements.

Tennis Ball Reaction: Have a partner throw a tennis ball at you from various angles. Try to catch it as quickly as possible, enhancing your reflexes and hand-eye coordination.

FAQs

Q: Can eye workouts improve my performance in team sports like soccer? A: Absolutely! Enhanced visual perception and quick decision-making are valuable assets in team sports. Eye workouts can give you a competitive edge.

Q: How often should I do eye workouts? A: Aim for at least 10-15 minutes of eye workouts daily, but adjust the duration based on your sport's demands and your individual needs.

Q: Are there any risks associated with eye workouts? A: When done correctly, eye workouts are safe. However, consult with a professional if you experience discomfort or pain during these exercises.

Q: Can eye workouts benefit non-athletes too? A: Yes, eye workouts are beneficial for everyone, not just athletes. They can help reduce eye strain and improve overall visual acuity.

Q: Will eye workouts replace regular physical training? A: No, eye workouts should complement your physical training, not replace it. A well-rounded regimen includes both physical exercises and eye workouts.

Q: How long does it take to see improvements in athletic performance? A: Results may vary, but with consistent practice, many athletes report noticeable improvements in a few weeks.

Conclusion

In the world of sports, every advantage counts. Boosting your athletic performance with eye workouts is a smart strategy that can give you the upper hand. By dedicating a portion of your training time to these exercises, you'll sharpen your focus, improve your reaction time, and ultimately enhance your performance on the field or court. Incorporate these eye workouts into your daily routine, and watch as your athletic prowess reaches new heights.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to gain a competitive edge. Start your eye workouts today, and prepare to see the difference on game day!

Tatum Eyecare is North Phoenix’s premier family eye care center. We’ve spared no expense to create the most pleasant, comfortable patient experience… including the finest furnishings, the best selection of prescription eyeglass frames, the most cutting-edge technology, and the most outstanding team of industry professionals. Come see why the choice for family eye care in the Valley has never been clearer.

[thisismenow3]

Add to that the fact that everyone including many medical professionals have internalized this against actual sound medical science and you have a situation where even as you get people to accept that fat of all shapes and amounts can coincide with whatever gender presentation they remain near where they started with how they feel because of BMI. No one actually understands health, we just ignore that underweight people have worse outcomes from sickness than overweight people because all overweight people are seen as inherently so overweight that they just… fall apart I guess? Doesn’t really make sense when interrogated. No one is allowed to feel okay with how they look or how they present or how they are. And as always this effects the marginalized the most

I have a research background in weight stigma and I currently work in mental health, often with LGBTQ+ clients.

I've met nonbinary people who struggle with disordered eating because they only ever see androgyny depicted as featureless thinness.

I've met trans women who struggle with disordered eating because they've internalized the idea that girls are meant to be thin, dainty, and delicate.

I've men trans men who struggle with disordered eating, because they feel women are allowed to be soft/curvy but men need to be muscular or thin and flat.

So many trans people are convinced that weight loss is the key to appearing as their desired gender, even when they want radically different gender presentations.

The societal idealization of thinness and fatphobia falsely invades and derails people's idea of what their "ideal body" should look like.

[monteewellnez]

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[toptips]

The Impact of Sleep Science on Athletic Performance

[5starclinicltd]

Professional Sports Massage in Preston: Enhancing Performance and Recovery

When it comes to maintaining optimal athletic performance, professional sports massage in Preston is a game-changer. This specialized form of massage therapy is designed not only to soothe sore muscles but also to improve overall physical function, prevent injuries, and aid in recovery.

[techdriveplay]

How to Stay Hydrated During Workouts

Staying hydrated is crucial for anyone engaging in physical activity. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, understanding how to stay hydrated during workouts can significantly impact your performance and overall health. Water makes up about 60% of our body weight, and it plays a vital role in many bodily functions, including temperature regulation, joint…

[idiopathicsmile]

School Gymnastics: A Tragicomedy

So one day when we were in third grade, our P.E. teacher divided us into girls and boys. (I don’t remember what the boys had to do. Wrestling? Tackle football? I don’t know, probably not at age nine, but that’s not the point. Gladiatorial combat? I still don’t really understand kids’ sports.)

What matters for this story is that all the girls had to do gymnastics. Now—and I suspect this won’t surprise you if you know literally anything about me—I was always terrible at any form of school athletics. I am intensely, almost impressively uncoordinated. This doesn’t affect my life much at 36, but it was often a miserable way to be a kid. The only playground game I liked was playing pretend, because when you are playing pretend, you don’t have a bunch of people ostensibly on your side screaming in your ear, “Pretend faster! Pretend over there! Pretend with greater accuracy!”

Anyway, gymnastics and my clumsy, doughy little body. I couldn’t do a cartwheel. I couldn’t do a backwards somersault. I couldn't do any of it. We had an entire unit on this business and I literally did not learn how to even safely attempt a single move besides the log roll (lie flat and roll sideways on your belly). In retrospect, this seems like maybe it was in part a teaching problem, not a me problem, but that’s actually not the point either.

The point is, at the end of the unit, we were told to divide ourselves into little teams and choreograph a group gymnastics routine. My group, faced with my long list of limitations (more limitation than girl, really) decide my role will be to just forwards-somersault around the rest of the group as they do their moves. (This is itself kind of embarrassing but trust me, it is but the appetizer.) My friend Ashley has the Lion King soundtrack and we all agree that it is a great choice. The movie has only come out a couple of years earlier, and it of course features some funny, peppy options. 'Hakuna Matata'? 'I Just Can't Wait to Be King'? It's all coming together.

Carried on a wave of youthful enthusiasm, none of us even think to double-check which track Ashley has picked. Foreshadowing!

So the day of the performance comes. Another group goes right before us. They had picked “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls, which was a huge hit at the time. I mean, it still is because it’s a classic, but then it was big and new. They step onto the mat and immediately begin to do choreographed dance moves, which they have worked into their routine. We had not thought of this. Oops. Dance moves, of course! So they incorporate the necessary gymnastics, it goes over really well, the energy is high, and now it’s my group’s turn.

I take my place at the edge of the mat, the mat we are required to stay on for the length of the piece. Ashley cues up the track she’d chosen.

A song starts up. Instantly, I recognize it from the movie. It is the very slow instrumental music that plays when Simba realizes his dad is dead.

‘Well, this is not optimal,’ I think. I've been on this planet for nine years; I can see that much. But it’s too late to change the track, and so I tell myself, ‘It’s okay. I’m a performer. I can sell this.’ I put on an extremely solemn face and begin to execute a series of the world’s saddest somersaults.

Friends, when I say “sad” I mean it, in every possible sense of the word. Picture a nine year old with the gravest possible affect, determinedly doing somersaults to the slowest, most serious music she can imagine, in a careful ring around her friends who have actually learned any gymnastics whatsoever. Okay, now as the music starts to pick up and get more hopeful, imagine she gets real dizzy and in front of everyone, she rolls all the way directly off the mat, careening dangerously towards the assembled students.

Somehow, I roll myself back onto the mat, we survive what feels like hours of humiliation, we stagger away, and I blessedly avoid adding “puking my guts out in front of all of my peers” to my very short list of gymnastics tricks.

Later, I asked Ashley what in the world possessed her to choose that song.

“It didn’t have any words,” she said.

(There was absolutely no rule against using songs that had lyrics.)

Anyway, that’s why being an adult is better than being a kid.

I may have to do laundry and make my own dinner and wrestle with more complex existential angst, but you know what I haven’t been asked to do in like 26 years? Somersault for three minutes straight to the musical shorthand for “this cartoon lion cub has no choice but to process the weight of unimaginable grief for his dead dad.” And you know what? If I live another 50 years, I can be pretty confident nobody will ask me to do it then, either.

[cocoamrit23]

Unleashing the Power of CocoAmrit Coconut Water: Reap the Amazing Benefits!

CocoAmrit coconut water has emerged as a popular choice among health-conscious individuals, offering a range of benefits that go beyond mere refreshment. Packed with natural goodness, CocoAmrit provides a delightful way to hydrate your body and indulge in the myriad advantages offered by this tropical elixir. Join us as we dive into the extraordinary benefits of CocoAmrit coconut water and explore why it has become a go-to beverage for health enthusiasts everywhere.

Section 1: Hydration and Refreshment When it comes to quenching your thirst, nothing compares to the pure and revitalizing properties of CocoAmrit coconut water. Its natural electrolyte composition, including potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium, replenishes fluids lost during physical activities or hot weather. With CocoAmrit, you can keep dehydration at bay while delighting in a crisp, delicious beverage.

Section 2: Electrolyte Replenishment Electrolytes play a crucial role in maintaining the body's balance and aiding various bodily functions. CocoAmrit coconut water is a fantastic source of electrolytes, making it an excellent choice for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and those in need of rehydration. By restoring these essential minerals, CocoAmrit supports optimal performance and helps prevent muscle cramps and fatigue.

Section 3: Antioxidant Boost CocoAmrit coconut water is packed with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and protect your body from free radicals. These antioxidants, such as vitamin C and other phytochemicals, bolster your immune system and promote overall well-being. By regularly consuming CocoAmrit, you can give your body the extra support it needs to stay healthy and ward off illness.

Section 4: Natural Energy Source Looking for a natural and sustainable source of energy? Look no further than CocoAmrit coconut water. Instead of reaching for sugary energy drinks or caffeine-packed beverages, CocoAmrit offers a healthier alternative. The naturally occurring sugars in CocoAmrit provide a gentle boost, keeping you energized without the crash often associated with artificial stimulants.

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Conclusion: CocoAmrit coconut water has rightfully earned its place as a beloved health drink, offering a multitude of benefits that range from hydration and electrolyte replenishment to antioxidant support and natural energy. By incorporating CocoAmrit into your daily routine, you can not only enjoy a refreshing and delicious beverage but also reap the rewards of its numerous health advantages. Join the CocoAmrit movement today and unlock the true power of coconuts for your well-being.

[technicallyhappyarcade]

Sports Science Team: Developing a Cutting-Edge Sports Science Team for Pro Baseball

In the competitive world of professional baseball, staying ahead of the game requires more than just raw talent and rigorous training. Enter the Sports Science Team—a group of dedicated professionals who harness the power of cutting-edge technology, data analytics, and interdisciplinary collaboration to maximize player performance and minimize the risk of injuries. Led by renowned sports scientist Aaron Cunanan, this team revolutionizes the way baseball is played and trained. From biomechanics analysis to personalized nutrition planning, they leave no stone unturned in their quest to optimize training, enhance player wellness, and make data-driven decisions. Through innovative strategies and a relentless pursuit of excellence, they empower athletes to achieve their full potential and secure victory on the field.

[slowlysporadicpeach]

Metafast Blood Sugar - Optimize Your Athletic Performance By Tracking Blood Sugar | Austin Mcguffie https://youtu.be/iz0lV60f65M

[tinyangelcrown]

Metafast Blood Sugar - Optimize Your Athletic Performance By Tracking Blood Sugar | Austin Mcguffie https://youtu.be/iz0lV60f65M

[parvuls]

From: jackzimmermann@nhl.com

To: eric.bittle@samwell.edu

Subj: Restriction on Pies and Pastries Supply to PVD Falconers

Mr. Eric Bittle,

It has recently been brought to my attention that you are responsible for the pies and various pastries that have been delivered to members of the NHL team, the Providence Falconers. Unfortunately, the high fat content found in pies and the like poses a significant risk to athletes' physical fitness. It is vital for hockey players to maintain optimal physical condition to ensure their peak performance on the ice, and therefore the team’s win.

As it is my duty to oversee their dietary requirements, I ask you to cease the distribution of such food items to the members of the team immediately.

Thank you for your cooperation,

Jack Zimmermann

Providence Falconers Nutritionist | Providence, RI

-

From: eric.bittle@samwell.edu

To: jackzimmermann@nhl.com

Subj: Re: Restriction on Pies and Pastries Supply to PVD Falconers

Dear Mr. Zimmermann,

It’s really nice to make your acquaintance. I actually had to message Alexei just to make sure this wasn’t some prank from one of my friends - I couldn’t believe an actual NHL staff member reached out to me! He assured me you’re the real thing, however (although I’m not sure how you got my school contact info?).

About the pies - you have nothing to worry about. Firstly, I only use the very best products, so anything your boys are getting from me is high quality. Second of all, I explicitly told the boys that I would only make the deliveries on cheat days. They better be smarter than to lie to me. 

I’m a big fan of the Falconers, and I would never do anything to harm their chances! On the contrary, I do believe having a pie waiting for you at the end of a hard week gives more motivation for training. So actually, I’m helping y’all out :) 

You’re very welcome, and good luck against the Devils!

Eric

-

From: jackzimmermann@nhl.com

To: eric.bittle@samwell.edu

Subj: Re: Re: Restriction on Pies and Pastries Supply to PVD Falconers

Mr. Bittle,

I appreciate your reply. However, I feel that I have not made my stance clear enough.

Hockey is a very demanding sport. Cheat meals are meant to benefit our players, not provide them with an excuse to consume excessive amounts of sugar and fat. Nine of our players had received deliveries from you in the last 3 months. In my estimations, that comes to about 216 baked pies. 

You must not be aware of this, but regular consumption of saturated fat can lead to heart disease and stroke. I advise you to look into investing your time in less harmful pursuits. I attached a list of recommendations for preferable culinary interests and other hobbies (if you eat even a portion of what you make, I highly recommend taking an interest in physical activity).

Please write back to me with confirmation that you will no longer deliver to members of this team.

Sincerely,

Jack Zimmermann

Providence Falconers Nutritionist | Providence, RI

-

From: eric.bittle@samwell.edu

To: jackzimmermann@nhl.com

Subj: Re: Re: Re: Restriction on Pies and Pastries Supply to PVD Falconers

Mr. Zimmermann,

Unfortunately, I can make no such promises. Your players are counting on me, and I’d hate letting those sweet boys down. But just give it a few more months! You’ll see their game won’t be affected, and we could put all this behind us. In fact, I bet you’ll even see some improvement :)

Thank you for your concern, but it’s honestly not needed. I’m definitely getting enough physical activity, haha. Actually, I’m the captain of a Division I NCAA ice hockey team. And look, I’m doing just fine!

Also, I did take a look at your list. Flourless protein brownies?? Poor man. If that is what you consider a dessert, it’s no wonder you’ve got all these misguided views on pies. I had real brownies delivered just for you this morning, so you can taste the difference yourself. If they’re not on your desk by this afternoon, Thirdy or Poots must’ve gotten to them. Please let me know so I can make another batch.

All the best,

Eric

- 

From: jackzimmermann@nhl.com

To: eric.bittle@samwell.edu

Subj: Final Request to Discontinue Pastry Deliveries 

Mr. Bittle,

You’re a hockey player who bakes a dozen pies a month in his free time? This is unacceptable for a sports team on any level. If possible, I would like the name of your team and your coach. Your staff should be made aware of the risks involved in not supervising their players’ health. I am more than willing to offer my services for a free-of-charge seminar about nutrition. 

I have made my position about the deliveries very clear. If you cannot assure me of your cooperation, I will be forced to speak to security and restrict entry of food into our facilities without my approval.

I don’t wish to resort to forbidding you from future contact with team members, but if it is in the best interest of the team’s success, I will.

Good day,

Jack Zimmermann

Providence Falconers Nutritionist | Providence, RI

-

From: eric.bittle@samwell.edu

To: jackzimmermann@nhl.com

Subj: (no subject)

Dear Jack Zimmermann,

I would like to see you try.

Bless you heart,

Eric Bittle

[saetoru]

✩ ‧₊˚ ✩。3:37 AM — ITOSHI SAE.

“see? i told you this would be fun,” you hum.

“fun for you, maybe. you get to sit and do nothing. i’m the one driving,” sae gives you a side glare—one that he’s sure you see but elect to ignore in favor of picking the next song on your phone.

if you’d told him half a year ago that he’d be here, giving up sleep to drive you to god knows where in the middle of the night, sae thinks he might have actually laughed—which is something he doesn’t do very often. he’s a bit appalled with himself, truthfully—it’s half past three, way past his usual sleep hours, and he has practice in the morning. yet somehow, he almost thinks he’s having fun.

and then he comes to the daunting realization that he’s really not sure who he even is anymore.

athletes like the itoshi sae need to follow strict regimens. athletes like him need at least eight hours of sleep a day, need balanced diets and a healthy amount of exercise, and need to be level headed and make responsible decisions. athletes like him don’t stay up this late because of one measly pout and a tug to his arm. there’s no reason that sae should be this weak to you, no reason you should hold this much power over him—and yet, in a cruel twist of fate, you do.

you do and you know it, and you’re evil enough that you use it to your full advantage.

“where are we even going?”

“sae, shut up,” you roll your eyes. “why do you always have something to say?”

scoffing, he stops the car at a red light, pressing on the brakes and turning to face you. and he hates to admit it, but the moonlight kissing your skin through the windows makes his heart beat rapidly.

“do you realize i’m sacrificing my sleep for you?” he scoffs at you, looking over at the small patch of skin of your shoulder blade as his shirt droops over your body. he tries not to stare too long—but he fails miserably, and you seem to notice it too.

“quit staring at me,” you smirk, reaching over to pinch his cheek.

he swats your hand away—though gently—and scowls, grumbling under his breath at your supposed claim. you only offer him an amused giggle as he rolls his eyes, and no matter how correct you may be, itoshi sae refuses to admit, even to himself, that he was in fact staring. in his defense, how could he not stare when you look like that in his clothing?

“was not staring at you, stupid.”

“you so were,” you laugh, and he grunts, shaking his head as he rolls his eyes at you unimpressed. it’s a battle that costs him just about all of his self control to not glance down at your lips, but he wins—although miraculously, otherwise, he’d have to hear even more of your teasing, and he doesn’t think his eyes will recover from another round of rolling this time.

“no i wasn’t. that head of yours is too big,” he says, frowning and flicking your forehead at the smug grin you give him. and sae should be asleep, he should be getting enough rest to ensure his optimal performance at practice in the morning so that he can put his teammates efforts to shame—but you said please, and you pouted, and he’s not as strong as he claims to be, although he’ll never admit it.

so now he’s here, and he’s fighting for his dignity as you wiggle your brows playfully at him. but deep down, sae doesn’t think he wants to be anywhere else right about now.

“okay, if you say so,” you snort, “you’ll survive without eight hours of sleep for one day. and by the way, the light’s green now, dumbass. pay attention.”

he hears your giggling as he curses under his breath and presses on the gas pedal, and you slide your hand over his shoulder to play with the hairs at the back of his neck. he pretends to lean back and try to shake your hand off, but you both know it’s his way of leaning further into your touch—so you grant him more of what he craves, rubbing over the back of his neck soothingly as he drives.

“okay, well you’re supposed to be giving me directions, so where do i go now?” he mutters. you shrug, and he groans.

“i don’t know, i’ve been making up directions this whole time. just wanted to drive around. anyway, did you know van gogh’s starry night was painted from his window in an asylum?”

side eyeing you, he purses his lips, rolling his eyes with a heavy sigh. and even if you’ve dragged him out of bed for no reason—on a practice night no less—while he’s supposed to be getting much needed rest, he can’t help but find every annoying little quirk of yours endearing. even this one.

“what does that have to do with anything?” he asks flatly.

and sae is not an easy book to read, he never was—he’s like those difficult words you have to stop and google to understand, or those ridiculous metaphors that only literature teachers care for. but he’s well worth it, you think. he makes you want to skip the pages and jump right to the end, and he’s the kind of story you pray ends happily. and somehow, when he climbs out of bed in his wrinkled shirt and loose sweats, hair tousled and sleep laced in his eyes as he begrudgingly grabs his keys for you—you think maybe you don’t want the story to end at all just yet. or ever.

“just a fun fact, jeez,” you pout. “any soccer fun facts you wanna share?”

“athletes need plenty of sleep to perform their best,” he shoots instantly. you huff, rolling your eyes and crossing your arms at his stubbornness to just admit he enjoys being here as much as you do.

“sae, one of these days you’ll drive me so crazy, i’ll need to be in an asylum myself.”

“one of these days, when i send you to an asylum, maybe i can sleep reasonable hours,” he smirks at you. the soft slap to his shoulder causes him to chuckle in amusement, and you cave and send the softest of grins at his direction.

“you’ll never last a day without me,” you quip, and to your surprise, he smiles a little. it’s gentle—much gentler than you expect from someone like him, and you’re not used to it. but it’s pretty, just like the rest of itoshi sae, and you hope fate permits a few more nights with him by your side, whether it’s in bed as he sleeps or in the car as he drives. maybe, you’ll even dare to hope for an eternity.

“i don’t know,” he hums, and one hand lays gently on your thigh as he drives mindlessly with the other on the wheel, “i think i could manage to squeeze in ten hours of sleep if you were gone,” he adds with smug grin, and even as you scowl at him, you decide right then and there that if itoshi sae isn’t your happy ending, you don’t think you want one. ever.

“you’re rude, y’know that?”

“i’d say driving aimlessly for your stupid whims is rather generous.”

“hmm, maybe,” you murmur, looking at him with a look so sweet, he feels his breath catch in his throat when he peeks at you through the corner of his eyes. and he hopes you don’t notice it, or the way his expression softens too. “love you,” you add quietly, lifting his hand to kiss the back.

“yeah,” he mumbles. “love you too.” you lace your fingers with his, setting his hand back down onto your lap. he squeezes gently, and you squeeze back. “i love it more when you sleep, though.”

i think sae rly likes driving tbh. finds it relaxing and if u play with the hair at the nape of his neck he loves it more. he’s pathetically a loser

[brodygold]

The Interview

Ben adjusted his tie nervously, his fingers fumbling against the silk fabric as he sat in the reception area. This was his big break: a chance to work as a data analyst for the prestigious Golden Army. He had spent countless hours perfecting his resume and rehearsing answers to potential questions. Now, all that preparation boiled down to a single meeting with Captain Scott.

Ben glanced at his reflection in the polished glass of the office door. His charcoal suit was crisp, his blue tie perfectly knotted. He looked the part, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that he didn’t belong here. Soccer wasn’t exactly his passion; numbers were. He could crunch statistics, perform regression analysis, and optimize strategies—that was his real talent. Surely the Golden Army would see his value, even if he wasn’t an athlete.

The door to the inner office opened, and a tall man with a commanding presence stepped out. Captain Scott—a broad-shouldered Brit with a sharp jawline and piercing eyes—surveyed the room. His golden soccer jersey, emblazoned with the team’s emblem, caught the light as he turned his gaze to Ben.

“Ah, you must be Ben,” Scott said, his British accent smooth yet authoritative. “Come on in, lad.”

Ben rose quickly, nearly tripping over his own feet as he followed Scott into the office. The room was adorned with Golden Army memorabilia: framed jerseys, championship trophies, and photos of triumphant players. Scott gestured to a chair, and Ben sat down, clutching his briefcase like a lifeline.

Scott leaned against his desk, arms crossed. “Now then, Ben, I’ll get straight to it. I’ve had a look at your resume. Impressive stuff. But I’m afraid there’s a bit of bad news.”

Ben’s heart sank. “Bad news?”

“Aye. The data analyst position’s already been filled,” Scott said, his tone apologetic but firm. “Just last week, in fact.”

Ben’s stomach churned. “Oh, I see. Well, thank you for considering me,” he said, rising from his chair. “I appreciate the opportunity.”

Scott held up a hand. “Hold on, lad. I’ve got another idea.”

Ben paused, curiosity flickering through his disappointment. “Another idea?”

Scott’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Aye. It’s not exactly what you came here for, but it’s a position that’s crucial to the Golden Army. And I reckon you might be just the man for it.”

Ben tilted his head. “What kind of position?”

Scott’s smile widened. “Let me show you.” He snapped his fingers.

The sound echoed in Ben’s ears, sharp and commanding. For a moment, he felt a strange tingling sensation coursing through his body. He blinked, trying to shake it off, but the feeling only intensified. His muscles began to ache, then burn, as if he’d just completed a grueling workout.

“W-what’s happening?” Ben stammered, clutching the arms of the chair. He looked down and gasped. His once-slender arms were bulging, his biceps swelling with newfound strength. His chest expanded, his shoulders broadening, and his legs thickened, stretching the fabric of his trousers.

“Relax, lad,” Scott said, his tone calm but commanding. “You’re becoming who you were meant to be.”

Ben’s mind raced, but it was becoming harder to think. The numbers and equations that had once dominated his thoughts were slipping away, replaced by something simpler, more primal. Images of soccer fields, roaring crowds, and the camaraderie of a team flooded his mind. He tried to hold on to his old self, but it was like gripping sand; it all slipped through his fingers.

His suit and tie began to shimmer, the fabric dissolving into golden threads. The threads wove themselves into a shiny golden soccer jersey, snug against his newly muscular frame. His trousers transformed into matching shorts, and his dress shoes hardened into gleaming gold soccer cleats.

Ben’s breathing steadied, his initial panic giving way to a strange sense of purpose. He looked up at Scott, his eyes now bright with determination.

“How do you feel, lad?” Scott asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Ben stood, flexing his powerful arms. “I feel… incredible,” he said, his voice deeper, more confident. The hesitation that had marked his earlier speech was gone. “What position do you need me to play, Captain?”

Scott clapped him on the shoulder. “That’s the spirit! You’ll be our new striker. Quick, agile, and unstoppable. Just what the Golden Army needs.”

Ben nodded, the role already feeling natural. “I won’t let you down, sir.”

“I know you won’t,” Scott said, his tone firm but encouraging. “Welcome to the team, lad.”

As Ben left the office, he no longer felt like the nervous data analyst who had walked in just minutes ago. He was a striker for the Golden Army, a proud member of the team. And he couldn’t wait to hit the field.

As Ben stepped outside into the bright sunlight, the world seemed sharper, more vibrant. His cleats clicked against the pavement as he made his way toward the training grounds. It was strange; just an hour ago, he couldn’t have imagined himself even holding a soccer ball, let alone playing professionally. Now, he felt an unshakable drive to prove himself, to be the best.

The training field stretched out before him, a lush expanse of green bordered by gleaming bleachers. A group of players was already warming up, their golden jerseys shining in the sun. They moved with precision and confidence, their camaraderie evident in their easy laughter and banter. Ben hesitated for a moment, suddenly unsure of how to approach them.

“Oi, new guy!” one of the players called, jogging over. He was tall and lean, with sharp features and a mischievous grin. “You must be the new striker. I’m Brody, co-captain. Welcome to the team.”

Ben shook his hand, the firm grip reinforcing his new reality. “Thanks. I’m Ben.”

Brody raised an eyebrow. “Ben, eh? Not anymore, mate. You’re part of the Golden Army now. We’ve got a tradition here: new name, new start. How about… Blaze? Got a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?”

Blaze. The name resonated with him, sparking a sense of pride and excitement. “Blaze it is,” he said, grinning.

“Good on ya, Blaze. Let’s see what you’ve got,” Brody said, tossing him a soccer ball. “Warm up with us.”

Blaze joined the other players, quickly falling into the rhythm of the drills. His body moved with an ease and power that felt both foreign and familiar. Each pass, each shot, each sprint reinforced his new identity. By the time practice ended, he was drenched in sweat but exhilarated.

As the team gathered around Scott for a debrief, the captain’s gaze fell on Blaze. “Not bad for your first day, lad. Keep this up, and you’ll be unstoppable.”

Blaze nodded, determination etched on his face. He had found his place, his purpose. The Golden Army wasn’t just a team; it was a family. And he was ready to give it everything he had.

After the team dispersed, Scott called out, “Blaze, a word in my office.”

Blaze followed Scott back to the office, his heart pounding slightly. He wasn’t sure what to expect. Once inside, Scott closed the door and leaned against the desk, studying Blaze with a thoughtful expression.

“You’ve adapted faster than I expected,” Scott said, his voice softer now. “Most lads take a bit of time to find their footing, but you… you’re something special.”

Blaze felt his cheeks warm at the compliment. “Thank you, sir. I just want to do my best for the team.”

Scott smiled, his eyes glinting. “That’s what I like to hear.” He stepped closer, his tone dropping. “But there’s more to being part of the Golden Army than just skill on the field. It’s about trust, loyalty… connection.”

Blaze swallowed hard, the air between them charged. “I understand, Captain.”

Scott’s gaze lingered on him, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. Then, with deliberate intent, Scott reached out, his hand resting lightly on Blaze’s shoulder. “Do you?”

Blaze nodded, his voice barely a whisper. “Yes.”

Scott leaned in, his lips brushing against Blaze’s in a kiss that was both firm and tender. Blaze responded instinctively, his hands resting on Scott’s waist as he deepened the kiss. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in the quiet, golden-lit office.

When they finally pulled apart, Scott’s eyes searched Blaze’s, a rare vulnerability showing beneath his confident exterior. “Welcome to the team, Blaze. Truly.”

Blaze smiled, his heart racing. “I’m proud to be here, Captain.”