Following a training session recovery is the main priority for an athlete. Setting the right training impulses triggers the body to adapt and improve. Choosing the correct and appropriate nutrients following a training load is important as nutrients influence among others the metabolic and hormonal environment which in turn influences training adaptations and performance increases. The right sports nutrition strategy can not only promote training specific adaptations in the body but also supports you and allows you to be ready to perform at your optimal level again sooner – which can ultimately lead to an increase in exercise performance. Rapid recovery is especially a must during periods of intense training and when you have more than one training session a day.
Besides sufficient rest and sleep it is important that you give your body the right nutrients in the right amounts after exercise. The body requires:
- carbohydrates to replenish the body’s glycogen stores (energy stores in the liver and muscles)
- high-quality protein to repair the damaged muscle tissue and to build new muscle protein
- fluid and electrolytes (especially sodium) for efficient rehydration
Good luck and have lots of fun!
