Ways To Improve Sport Performance

By Peter Kelly


Sports participation makes one healthy and to achieve the best of it, there are certain precautions and rules that must be observed. Seeking means to improve one's athletic performance means increasing one's potential to benefit from the activity he or she does. Some of the benefits that can be derived by taking part in sports include stress relief, ability to set achievable goals and work hard for them.

Taking too much water can lead to excess sodium loss from your body. While exercising, you may feel the urge to drink up to one liter of water as a result of fatigue. However, you don't have to drink much to improve your sport performance since you only need between 0.55 and 0.8 liters of water to rehydrate. Apart from losing so much sodium, excess hydration comes with other challenges you wouldn't want to experience.

Just like water, the body also needs to replace energy during sports. However, you are not expected to supply the exact amount of calories you use up. The recommended calorie intake during exercise is 300 calories per hour. Even though you may use up to 700 calories, be assured that the remaining can be generated from body fats. Trying to replace the exact amount you burn can lead to vomiting or nausea.

Do not also take simple sugars while exercising. Simple sugars are also known as unrefined sugars and they are not very healthy for the body. You can find them in carbonated drinks, sweets, gums and processed foods like pastries. It is better to consume complex carbohydrates which include foods such as wheat bread and corn.

You are also expected to take protein when replacing calories lost during exercises. As a matter of fact, this is what the body does without your approval so if you fail to take some proteins, you will be at the danger of allowing your body do it automatically by feeding on the muscles. Recommended proteins are soy products and whey protein. Whey protein is more suitable for use after exercise.

Calcium intake is also important for athletes as it helps to strengthen the bones. Apart from building the bones, calcium is also needed for proper contraction of the muscles. Rich sources of calcium include yogurt, soy milk, fortified orange juice, sardines, soybeans, spinach and milk. Athletes who are lactose intolerant can do well by taking calcium supplements.

Athletes must also learn how to take adequate rest. Some of the athletes in the world who have consistently won medals have said that sleep is one way by which their exercises can be absorbed by the body. Resting after training is a nice thing to do. An athlete who sleeps the normal eight hours before a sport can take better decisions during the main event.

If you want to avoid injuries in the field and also improve your immune system, then you must learn how to sleep well. Resting before a match is good because your nerves relax and your coordination improves. You will be able to take good decisions when playing and also prevent injuries.




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