Energy is the life-blood of the athlete and what they need to perform to the best of their capabilities. Trainers like Peter Benedict St. Andrews use every technique they know of, to get their athlete clients more energy, so they can win more. It is an ongoing challenge that requires constantly examining the athlete and their habits to determine what to modify. In the end, suggestions are offered that should help. Here are some of the most frequent suggestions trainers offer their athlete clients.

Better Diets

Athletes typically need more calories because of the amount of energy they expend when training. But these calories need to be from the right sources and in the right proportions for them to be most effective in providing them with the energy they need to compete at their highest level. The average American diet consists of three large meals that happen throughout the day with many hours between each and snacks at random times in between. The problem with this strategy is you often receive too much food at the wrong times. The large amounts overload you system and require lots of energy to digest, so you end being really tired for long periods after you eat. A better diet is an Asian approach where the athlete eats smaller meals many more times throughout the day. This approach provides a smaller yet steadier supply of energy creating nutrients to the brain and body. Because you are not packed up with so much food, your body is not overtaxed trying to digest it and so it has more energy to delegate to other things.

What the athlete eats is also important in creating the right energy level. The athlete should turn away from the typical western diet that has way too much simple carbohydrates. These foods digest really quickly and give an energy boost that subsides quickly and leaves the athlete feeling drained. Instead the athlete should eat complex carbs and plenty of proteins which stay in the bloodstream longer and provide a consistent release of energy. There should also be a good amount of healthy fats which are important to the body’s internal organs and various systems.

Detox

A detox is a process that cleans toxins and other bad things out of the body’s digestive and working systems. The liver and kidneys provide us with a good detoxification system, but because of environmental pollution, bad diets and other factors, they often get overworked and cannot do the job an athlete needs. As a result the athlete feels sluggish and low on energy.

One particular area of focus for a detox are the intestines where lots of bad bacteria and toxins can build up from waste that does not get excreted. When the intestines are in this state they do not absorb as much nutrients and demand more energy from the body to do their jobs. As a result an athlete can feel sluggish and low on energy constantly. Detoxes take anywhere from a few hours to days to work depending on the areas focused on and the extent of the problem. The result of a good detox is weight loss and vibrancy. They should be performed every few months to ensure the athlete is getting all of the energy available.

There are dozens of detoxes with some focusing on the kidneys others the liver or intestines and some focusing on a myriad of the body’s internal organs. Each has its own claims and some get combined with other beneficial things like diets so you get multiple benefits from the detox.

Naps

Some people think that naps are only for old people, but for an athlete, a nap can be one of his most important tools. Naps give the body the chance to reset itself and to put aside any stress that has built up during the day. It allows the body to recharge and is the perfect solution you’re your batteries are running down. It also gives the body a chance to heal and bumps and bruises. When you rest the body can put much more energy towards this type of healing. The best naps to take are for about 20 minutes and in a darkened room. These types of naps will not affect your night’s sleep.