Carb Loading For Better Performance

One of the most fundamental components of your training regime lies in simple and complex sugars. The much aligned carbohydrate should never be underestimated for goalkeepers training and playing competitively. Carb loading before a competition and after is very important to replenish muscle glycogen loss during intense activities. Something that has me steamed is the perception that low carb diets can be healthy for you. They aren’t. The fact is that the more you starve yourself the more your body’s defense mechanism raises the alert that you need to store fat as a means of survival. We have brilliant bodies that can adapt to any situation. The prime reason for athletes feeling over trained is that they do not plan their carbohydrate loading throughout the competitive season. Following are some key points to understand so that you get the most out of your season:

• Carb load several or more days before competition. Eat high carbohydrate meals such as starchy potatoes bannannas and pasta.

• Throughout your training regime remember to hydrate yourself, during competition remember to consume electrolytic/carb mixtures every 15 minutes, like Gatorade for example.

• Remember the importance of sodium and potassium during exercise. Carb drinks can really help, as they have a mixture of potassium and sodium which helps replenish the sodium potassium pump for muscle contraction.

• Last. Be active, remember that in most areas of the world, soccer is year round at a competitive level. Therefore maintaining activity and phasing your training will help you better succeed athletically all year round.

Therefore, don’t forgo the trusty carb for powerful results in your training. Also note that simple sugars directly after intense training (e.g. cherries, strawberries, grapes etc…) can help restore muscle glycogen quickly and also repair, restore and grow muscles for better performance.