Keeping your energy up while playing sports isn't always easy. In fact, you may be finding that regular sluggishness is affecting your gameplay.
If this is the case, here are five ways to stay energized while playing sports.
Take Vitamins and Supplements
Taking vitamins and supplements can seem like a chore sometimes, especially when you have a lot to take. However, it's extremely important to give your body the nutrients it needs, particularly when you're a regular sports player.
If you're not sure what to take, you'll want to start by doing some research. Find out what each major vitamin does. For instance, vitamin D gummies can help support your bones and lungs.
You'll also want to look into some natural supplements. Iron is a great one to try if you're lacking energy. No matter what, always research the company and ingredients before taking any supplements.
Stay Hydrated
No matter what sport you're playing, nothing is more important than staying hydrated. If you don't drink, you'll risk losing energy and even fainting. So, be sure to bring a water bottle to your games and practice sessions.
Any time you have a break, take a few sips. One thing to avoid is drinking sugary items. It can be tempting to bring soda or sports drinks, but these items provide far less hydration than water.
If you need something more flavorful, try adding a packet of nutritional flavoring to your water bottle. Another thing to avoid is drinking too much at once.
While you may feel very thirsty at times, especially if you're playing in the sun, drinking a lot can cause stomach aches.
Eat Light Snacks
Sure, it can be tempting to eat a big meal before playing sports. After all, you're about to use a lot of energy. However, eating too much before a game can greatly deplete your energy.
Instead, eat light snacks before playing. Try to eat about half an hour before starting, especially if the sport is particularly difficult. Another aspect to focus on is the type of snack you're having.
Be sure to avoid heavy amounts of protein and sugar-filled items. This includes snack cakes, sugary protein bars, candy, and chocolate granola bars. These snacks will probably make you sluggish after an hour.
Don't worry if you don't want to eat a salad! You can find snacks that are both healthy and delicious. A great way to do this is by researching brands. Some food companies sell nutritious versions of popular snacks.
Conserve Energy
This may seem obvious, but it's important to conserve energy during practice. While playing, you'll have a finite amount of strength to give, especially if you just came from school or work. So, pace yourself.
When warming up, don't go too heavy on the cardio. Instead, do lighter stretches and exercises that warm up your muscles. Pilates is a great option to try.
If you like to do practice exercises beforehand, don't do anything full out. Use half of the energy you would during a game. Most importantly, focus on your energy usage while playing.
If you know there's at least an hour left in the game, don't sprint across the field or continuously move. Whenever you have a break, take the time to rest and recuperate.
Do some stretches to relax your muscles. If you try this technique, you may find yourself playing better throughout the entire game.
Motivate Each Other
Energy isn't always dependent on your physical state. In fact, energy can heavily rely on the atmosphere you're in. If you're surrounded by sullen, unhappy people who don't want to be at practice, you're unlikely to feel pumped up.
On the other hand, being around excited players can make you excited to get started. So, be sure to stay positive and motivate your teammates.
If the coach wants everyone on the field, get there quickly and don't complain. If someone does something impressive, congratulate that person. In general, just have a good time.
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Sports are a lot of fun when you're energized and ready to go. So, get your blood pumping and give the game your all.
