articles

Parents hear all the time about the importance of good nutrition, but this is a critical message for those with developing athletes at home. Not only does what and when young athletes eat impact how they perform during a game, it also significantly impacts their ability to develop into mature, and potentially professional, athletes. More...

Optimal athletic performance requires food and nutrient intake that is tailored to each athlete’s sport, training schedule and individual needs. More...

Eat right and perform better, the two are directly related. This article will review the proper timing and balancing of pre- and post-workout/competition snacks or meals. Basic guidelines for parents and coaches are also provided. More...

Maintaining proper fluid balance is essential for every athlete since small levels of dehydration can negatively impact performance. More...

Proper growth and development requires sufficient amounts of vitamin D mainly because without it, the body cannot absorb calcium. Calcium and phosphorus are the major minerals in bone and if vitamin D is lacking, these minerals are not deposited in bone. More...

Taking into account the current low levels of physical activity and fitness among children, it is crucial that physical activity and fitness be promoted beyond the school and school day and into the home and community. More...

It is important that our youth—children and adolescents—be exposed to a variety of activities that enhance all the components of physical fitness. One key fitness component is the development of muscular strength and endurance. More...

Meals high in fat, fiber or protein eaten before activity can interfere with energy levels, slow down digestion and cause an upset stomach. Listed below are good fast food choices from common restaurants and general guidelines for when your youth athlete is on the go. More...

Unfortunately many people, especially young people, are not hungry when they first rise in the morning. AND when they finally do eat something, because of the long wait from yesterday’s last meal, often the food choices are not exactly what you would consider ideal. There are good reasons why no one should miss breakfast, but even more reasons for athletes. More...

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Whether we’re talking about weight gain and performance or weight loss and performance, the same rule is true: weight loss must be slow and controlled in order to NOT sacrifice lean tissue (e.g. muscle) or compromise performance. Unfortunately, too o More...

Most athletes want to reach their full potential in height, bone, and ligament and tendon strength. Believe it or not, many people can still increase in height into their early 20s. And everyone can continue to increase bone, tendon and ligament strength well past their 20s. More...