A balanced diet and proper conditioning are crucial for athletes to perform at their best, prevent injuries, and recover quickly. What athletes eat and how they train directly impacts their strength, endurance, and overall success.
“Diet and conditioning is important due to safety factors for them playing their sport or that their activity that they’re actually participating in,” said Amador Valley Sports Medicine Teacher Diana Hasenpflug.
Different sports utilize different methods of diet and conditioning. Cross country runners, for example, need to keep their body in peak performance for races.
“The way that we get the nutrients to build back stronger is through our diet: the food that we put in are the building blocks and then getting the sleep to replenish,” said AV Cross Country Coach Jason Oswalt.
Athletes need protein for their muscle development as well as carbs. Eating a balanced diet with different food groups creates a healthier body.
“Everybody talks a lot about protein, and protein is key. And the more protein you can get, the easier it is to build muscle. You definitely need carbs for energy. But they have to be the right kind of carbs like rice, grains, and starches,” said Amador Valley PE Teacher Brent Miller.
After a heavy workout, eating the right amount of nutrients and a balance of foods will enhance an athlete’s body.
“Post workout, there’s a ratio of four to one carbs to protein that your body receives very well. A lot of those bars and drinks that are for post workout are designed that way,” said Oswalt.
In addition to diet, training preparation needs to happen during preseason. During this time, athletes get their body back into athletic shape for their respective sport.
“They should be preparing anywhere three to four months prior to the season. As long as they’re active and continue with their diet in preparation going into the season, they’re usually fine,” said Hasenpflug.
Diet and conditioning is important for making progress in the gym, as well. Hard work and consistency in both can lead to more muscle mass and increased leanness. Miller shares his personal anecdote with regards to diet and conditioning in the gym.
“I’m going to the gym five or six days a week. I’m 46 years old. I wake up in the morning and I’m not sore. There’s no limitations on what I really can or can’t do. I can do whatever I want because my health is good, said Miller.
Staying physically healthy is always a major concern for athletes, as poor conditioning leads to injuries that bring down the performance of the athlete.
“When athletes are in poor condition, they get hurt and then we have to rehab them and then get them back. It’s all about execution and the best way to do that is to physically and mentally take care of yourself,” said Hasenpflug.
Athletes are always keeping track of their own physical and mental state for their best health all the time. To be the best in your sport, you need to be in the best shape possible.
“It’s easy to sit down on the couch and watch TV or get on your phone. But I think the feeling you get from it is worth the effort, said Miller.
