Players
Last Updated: May 5th, 2010
Chocolate Milk
Did you know that chocolate milk provides excellent muscle recovery, or cherry juice helps with aches and pains, or that excessive cola consumption can lead to problems with your muscles?
We have heard how important it is to stay hydrated when exercising, but there is more to it then fluid intake. Of equal impoartance is what you drink and when you drink it. Different beverages have been proven to aid in recovery, help with cramps, boost energy and keep you hydrated. But if you drink them at the wrong time during your workout, you may actually be hurting your performance. Read more...
Does Caffeine boost performance?
It is true that caffeine can improve athletic performance without impairing the body's temperature regulation or hydration. Energy drinks typically contain 80 mg (or more) of caffeine including those from herbal sources.
Research has shown that even relatively small doses of caffeine (70-150 mg), taken one hour before exercise, can enhance reaction time, concentration and alertness, and improve performance in both endurance events (over 20 minutes) and short high intensity events (1-5 minutes). The effects of caffeine on the body are not yet fully understood, but it appears to stimulate the central nervous system, reduce the perceived effort of exercise and enhance muscle fibre contraction.
Caffeine is a performance enhancing supplement that you need to discuss with your coach or doctor and try with caution during training. Read more...
Hydration
Remaining well hydrated is very important especially during the summer months and for anyone participating in physical activity. Dehydration can lead to nausea, vomiting, headaches and sluggishness, resulting in loss of playing time and a decrease in performance. When it comes to hydration there are many things to consider: Which is better water or sports drinks? Are there times when one is better then the other? How do you determine how much to drink? Is it possible to over-hydrate yourself? And does a hydration strategy change with age? Read More
Do you have a soccer or sport-specific injury?
If so, NWT Soccer would like to introduce Angela Pace. Angela works as a physiotherapist in Yellowknife and and has extensive experience working with soccer injuries in the UK. She worked as the physiotherapist for the Bristol City Football Club in the English championship league, treated several international players, and has worked within the academy with players aging from 8-18.
Angela is interested in being involved with soccer in the NWT and has volunteered to lend her expertise to help our northern soccer teams. She specializes in fitness testing, rehabilitation and injury prevention and is available to answer any simple questions you may have. If you're an injured player and you're wondering what kind of fitness and skill development to do to stay in shape and maintain you're training, please contact Angela by e-mail.
Extreme Fitness Program
Do you think you have what it takes to play soccer at the highest level? Try out this 6-week program that our Canada Summer Games athletes must undergo in preparation for their journey to play against other national teams.
Tips for Travel and Staying Healthy
Preparing for Long Distance Travel Physical Activity Calorie Use Chart
Wise Food Selections on the Road Australian Institute of Sport