4 Ways to Care for Your Body for Better Athletic Performance
Athletes spend a lot of time training in order to improve their performance. However, training is not the only thing that you can do to get the most out of your athletic performance. Taking care of your body will help you improve your performance. There are several things that you can do in order to take care of your body.
Rest and Recovery
Rest and recovery are just as important as your training regimen. If you over-train and do not get enough rest, then it will likely have an adverse effect on your performance. You will need to have at least one rest day a week to let your body catch up to all of the muscle strain you put it through. You will also need to fuel your body properly after you work out. Eat plenty of protein and drink water after you work out. Of course, on rest days, it still is helpful to do some basic stretches to avoid stiffness from the week’s workouts.
Eat Enough Carbs
You have probably been told that you should limit your intake. However, carbohydrates are a great fuel source. You should get 50 to 60 percent of your calories from carbohydrates. You should get your carbs from healthy sources, such as sweet potatoes, bananas, whole grains, and apples. Eating these at the beginning and middle of the day will help you maintain a high level of energy that will sustain you through your athletic endeavors.
Get the Proper Amount of Sleep
Many athletes make the mistake of treating sleep like it is a luxury. However, sleep deprivation can hinder your athletic performance. You should try to get seven to nine hours of sleep every night. This allows your body to heal itself and build up the muscle tissue that you worked for during the day. It also helps rejuvenate your mind and solidify new exercise habits you have been practicing.
If you have trouble getting the proper amount of sleep at night, then you can take a nap during the day. While it’s best to be consistent in your sleep schedule, a quick 20-minute nap can help when you are feeling overly fatigued in your mind and body.
Get Professional Help
Even if you have been an athlete for a long time, you can still benefit by getting professional help. Nutritional experts like those in 7 Plan Coaching can help you bridge nutritional gaps between what you are eating and what you should be eating for your personal goals. Not only can getting professional help make it easier for you to find a healthy balance in your diet, but it can also help ensure you are getting enough of the nutrients that are essential for your particular lifestyle.
Quality Over Quantity
The amount of time that you spend working out is not as important as what you do while you are working out. You should focus on proper form while you are working out. You will get better results and reduce your chances of getting injured. Always incorporate warm ups, cool down time, and a wide variety of exercises to keep your whole body fit and loose during your workouts.
Keeping your body healthy is one of the keys to improving your athletic performance. You should take the time to rest and recover. You should also get guidance from a professional. Eating enough carbs and getting enough sleep will also improve your performance. Additionally, you should prioritize quality over quantity while you are working out.
