Sports massage is a form of massage involving the manipulation of soft tissue to benefit a person engaged in regular physical activity. Soft tissue is connective tissue that has not hardened into bone and cartilage; it includes skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia (a form of connective tissue that lines and ensheathes the other soft tissues). Sports massage is designed to assist in correcting problems and imbalances in soft tissue that are caused from repetitive and strenuous physical activity and trauma. The application of sports massage, prior to and after exercise, may enhance performance, aid recovery and prevent injury.
Sports nutrition plays a key role in optimising the beneficial effects of physical activity, whether you’re a bodybuilder, a professional athlete in training or exercising to improve your mental and physical health.
Making informed decisions with your nutrition and hydration can result in improved performance, injury prevention and quicker recovery but it’s difficult to know where to start with so much conflicting information readily available. That’s where the help of a professional nutritionist can aid your decisions, and ultimately improve your performance.
Nutrition professionals offer a variety of services to support your health and sporting goals. This can range from a daily food diary to tips for eating after workouts or a comprehensive nutrition plan for training and competitions.
Fuelling your body with the right foods is essential for sports performance, importantly fats, protein and carbohydrates which maintain the body’s energy.
1.) Carbohydrates are the primary fuel used by working muscles, so adequate intake is essential for preventing muscle fatigue.
2.) While it’s important to monitor your fat intake, you shouldn’t remove it from your diet completely. Fats provide fatty acids that can be used as a source of energy – especially if your exercise sessions last longer than one hour. Fats also provide the building blocks for hormones and the formation of cell walls.
3.) Protein can be used as a source of energy and is critical for building new muscle tissue. If you’re taking part in resistance training, your body will require additional protein.