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The difference between fact
and fiction is often so small the information may become
blurred.
The old game of telephone is a pertinent metaphor to display why
good intentions can become confusing garble. A similar example
holds true in the realm of strength and conditioning.
Athletes acquire their knowledge through coaches, relatives,
magazines, and television. This statement may condemn me as an
author, but don’t believe everything you see, hear or read.
Competitive athletes are always looking for an edge. Products
are marketed to pray on the insecurity, curiosity, or
competitiveness of the consumer. Be careful when purchasing
supplements or workout equipment. Are you buying the product
because of a great advertising campaign or a history of credible
success? A cool brochure or label may not equate to a product
that can help you or was designed for you.
These warnings aside, here are a few of the things that come
from athletes these days:
A 14-year-old hockey player asked, “I am taking three
supplements and I still have not gained any weight. What else do
I need to take?”
The answer is nothing and everything. First and foremost the
best product on Earth is real food. I have never recommended any
supplement to kids 14 or younger. Examine your motives if you
are suggesting/prescribing supplements to young athletes for
anything but medical purposes.
In addition, most kids that age don’t eat enough to help their
body grow or meet their energy requirements. Supplements should
be just that, a supplement to the existing diet. Supplements
should never replace food. A healthy and balanced diet should be
the main focus of any athlete, parent or coach. Preparing food,
going shopping and planning meals is time consuming, but
worthwhile and rewarding. Any extra time, energy or funding
should be directed toward building habits for a lifetime.
There are many supplements that work extremely well and have
been proven safe over time. For young athletes, the best way to
ensure athletic success and lifelong health is a balanced system
of nutritional education and practical reinforcement.
A parent of a 13-year-old football/hockey/soccer athlete asked,
“I am worried about my son lifting weights and getting hurt, but
he needs to rehab from his chronic knee injury. What should he
do?”
When questioned about the son’s injury history, it was revealed
that the athlete had suffered multiple injuries each of the last
three years.
The answer here is rather simple. The athlete needs to not only
strengthen the muscles surrounding his joints, but also train
movement patterns more efficiently to prevent re-injury. In a
structured, supervised setting, weight training is extremely
safe. A strength and conditioning program that teaches athletes
how to move properly in a controlled environment is the most
effective way to maximize athletic ability and minimize the
potential for injury.
Participating in sports without preparing or optimizing movement
skills will increase the incidence of injury. Sports, contact or
not, involve the unplanned movements of opponents and that is
much more dangerous than any weight room activity.
Working out with proper supervision and coaching is extremely
beneficial to the young athlete and will help develop habits for
years to come. Working out with improper coaching or
unsupervised workouts can lead to movement dysfunction, muscular
imbalances, and injury. |
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