Young athletes are subject to strenuous lifestyles and demands. Without realizing it, they fall into a rut of being constantly tired and experiencing sore muscles or injuries. Taking the time to invest in proper recovery tactics is vital for successful careers and overall well-being. Below, we discuss how you can achieve optimal recovery as a young athlete without making additional sacrifices daily.
Consider External Muscular Support
One of the most profound recovery techniques that athletes of any sport or activity can benefit from is the use of electric muscle stimulation (EMS) training. EMS is a powerful technological method of sending electric currents through a targeted area of muscle mass or fibers and providing energy pulses.
The muscle fibers contract and return at high-intensity intervals and open the muscle groups to more expansion. The increased blood circulation can do wonders for inflammation reduction, pain reduction, and overall muscular recovery.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
The simplest thing you can do for your body is to hydrate it. Maintaining your hydration throughout the day and chosen activity can promote thorough saturation of all bodily components. Dehydration can lead to cramping, dry endings in the muscle fibers resulting in pulled muscles, or dramatic fatigue, which can lead to other issues. Hydration is the simplest way to avoid these types of ailments while promoting recovery between workouts or competitions.
Ensure You Reach REM Sleep Each Night
In addition to your hydration efforts, achieving REM sleep each night is essential in whole-body recovery techniques for young athletes. Not only is the brain taking in an overflow of information, but the body is still very much undergoing vital developmental processes.
Not resting properly can hinder overall well-being and muscular development. Younger individuals typically require a minimum of eight hours of sleep each night, but if the body calls for a nap or two, it’s best to listen to these cues to meet your body’s needs.
Proper and Adequate Nutrition Habits
It’s very easy for young people to forget proper nutrition habits because they think their metabolisms will do the housekeeping for them. And while this may be true to some degree, it’s paramount to fuel your metabolism with proper nutrition to help sustain its performance as you strive for success.
You risk malnutrition or a caloric deficit if you’re burning more calories than you’re bringing in. In contrast, only focusing on protein and avoiding carbs or sugars can create an imbalance in energy consumption rates. Find the right balance for your metabolic structure and activity levels, or partner with a professional dietician if you’re unsure where to begin.
Conclusion
Recovery as a young athlete can be challenging with a fast-paced lifestyle and temptations all around. It’s essential to keep in mind that even though you may bounce back quickly right now, the way you treat your body while young is often the foundation for your adult life and beyond.
