As an athlete, nothing is more important than maintaining good health and overall wellness. You need to take care of your body, mind, and spirit for you to perform well out there on the pitch or field. Here are 8 expert health tips you may need to take a look at as an athlete.
1. Work Out and Socialize
Almost always, athletics are purely physical engagement. It is thus not the best idea for you as an athlete to practice only when you are about to participate in a championship title. Working out does not necessarily involve hitting the gym alone. You can kill the monotony by remaining active indoors. Online sessions are the new normal for those who do not find time to hit the gym. Athletes can also settle for social outdoor activities such as Yoga, hiking, diving, palates, swimming, and biking.
2. Beware of Gym Skin Infections
Unbeknownst to many athletes, the gym can harbor a range of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Some of these pathogens are known to cause various skin infections, including impetigo, athlete’s foot, and rash, among others. It is therefore important to consider enrolling in a gym that ensures proper sanitization and disinfection of various surfaces, including flooring. As pointed out at www.healthysole.com, these surfaces are safer when disinfected using UV light treatment. This is especially crucial for high trafficked areas within the gym where people get in with their shoes on. Proper sanitization and disinfection protect you from skin infections and other ailments that can be acquired while at the gym.
3. Do Not Skip Breakfast
You’ve probably heard this song over and over again, and we will repeat it here. This is the most important meal of the day, which should be heavy enough to sustain your energy levels throughout the day. Skipping breakfast has a connection with some harmful habits that lead to hypertension, heart attacks, high blood pressure, obesity, and strokes. Research indicates that people who skip morning meals have higher chances of getting clogged arteries.
4. Exercise Self-Care Routine
When we talk of self-care, we may not settle on something specific because it differs from person to person. However, regardless of how busy our schedules may get, never lack time for yourself. Body scrubs, massage, sauna, meditation, manicure, and pedicure. Anything that gives you fulfillment should be in your self-care routine as an athlete. Remember, your appearance speaks a lot to how you feel about yourself.
5. Take Enough Carbohydrates
Carbs are the body’s primary source of fuel. In this case, athletes need these foods to fuel the kidney, brain, nervous system, and heart muscles. Carbohydrates are derived from fruits, nuts, vegetables, wheat, and whole grains. Smoothies can also be a great alternative when an athlete does not feel like eating whole meals. The amount of carbs you need each day will entirely depend on your physical activity levels and energy requirements.
6. You Need Adequate Sleep
Motivational speakers make sleep look like a sin but truth be told, success as an athlete rarely comes without enough quality sleep. Rest plays a significant role in our bodies. It affects your appetite, energy levels, motivation, and concentration. It also facilitates muscle healing, tissue growth, and repair. Sticking to a particular sleep routine makes your body adapt and rest enough. Make sure your sleeping environment is conducive, and your bedding is comfortable.
7. Proteins are Paramount
Every athlete needs a healthy body for them to function well. Proteins play a significant role in regulating body tissues and the proper functioning of the body organs. Muscle growth and tissue repair after physical exercise are also made possible by proteins. From animal protein to plant proteins, athletes have a wide variety of options to choose from in case of allergies or strict dietary practices such as veganism.
8. Hydrate and Eat Sodium-Rich Foods
Also, do not forget to hydrate throughout the day. Water is known for many benefits, and an athlete should not let any of these benefits pass them by. It is always essential to start your day with a glass of water. Not only does it quench your thirst, but it also awakens both you and your body cells. A hydro flask or a water bottle with the target amount of water per day will help you monitor your water intake.
Finally, sodium has been a neglected food nutrient by many, but the health benefits are tremendous. Hard training and competition need foods rich in sodium to rack up performance. Sprinkling a little salt in your meals can be a game-changer. Meals like pretzels and soup are rich in sodium too. However, you will want to avoid taking too much of it because it can affect your body’s water balance, which is crucial as far as performance is concerned.
