The team approach: how athletes stay in shape
What is the professional athlete's secret to success? A holistic approach that not only includes rigorous training, but also a dedicated team of professionals working in unison to ensure every aspect of their health and fitness is finely tuned.
April 1, 2024 | Jonathon Mendola, PT, DPT, CSCS
As you embark on your journey toward recovery and optimal health, it’s insightful to peek behind the curtain of how elite athletes maintain their peak performance. The secret? A holistic approach that not only includes rigorous training, but also a dedicated team of professionals working in unison to ensure every aspect of their health and fitness is finely tuned.
Training Regimen
Athletes don’t just “work out.” They follow meticulously designed training regimens tailored to their specific sport, position, and personal strengths and weaknesses. These regimens often include a mix of cardiovascular exercises, strength training, flexibility work, and sport-specific drills. However, what sets athletes apart is not just the intensity of their workouts, but the precision with which these routines are crafted.
Nutrition and Diet
Fueling their bodies for optimal performance is a science for athletes. They work closely with nutritionists to develop meal plans that provide the right balance of macronutrients and micronutrients. Every calorie counts, but it’s not just about quantity — it’s about quality. Athletes understand that the right fuel can enhance performance, improve recovery times, and prevent injuries.
Rest and Recovery
Contrary to the image of non-stop training, rest is equally crucial for athletes. They incorporate rest days into their schedules to allow their bodies to recover and adapt to the stress of training. Moreover, they prioritize quality sleep, massage therapy, cryo therapy, and sauna, recognizing the role that these modalities play in muscle repair, hormone regulation, and overall well-being.
The Team Behind the Athlete
Perhaps the most critical aspect of an athlete’s success is the team of professionals supporting them. This team can include coaches, trainers, physical therapists, nutritionists, sports psychologists, and more. Each member plays a unique role, working collaboratively to ensure the athlete is functioning at their absolute best.
You can see this in athletes at all levels; for example, professional golfer Jon Rahm has a team of physical therapists, nutritionists, massage therapists, trainers, swing coaches and more, all to give him that extra edge when he's on the golf course. His hard work pays off: he's currently ranked No. 3 in the world.
Let’s also take Hilary, a 61-year-old competitive rower. Hilary maintains an impressive training schedule that includes hours on the water, strength training, recovery strategies, and focused nutrition. But it’s not just her physical efforts that keep her at the top of her game. Over her career, first as a collegiate level rower for Princeton University, through today, Hilary has acquired knowledge in nutrition, recovery, and sports psychology to add to her personal toolkit.
In addition to the well-rounded knowledge base, Hilary also works with a skilled coaching staff both on and off the water as well as a physical therapist specializing in the "aging athlete." This team, including Hilary herself, ensures that Hilary’s body is strong, her mind is sharp, and her nutrition supports her demanding training regimen. As you continue your optimal health journey, remember that you are part of your own team, working alongside your therapists and healthcare providers. By embracing this team approach, you’re setting yourself up for success, just like Hilary and other athletes who rely on their support systems to reach new heights.
Why the Team Approach Matters
1. Specialized Expertise: Each team member brings specialized knowledge to the table, ensuring that every aspect of the athlete’s health is addressed.
2. Comprehensive Care: By working together, the team can create a comprehensive plan that considers all facets of the athlete’s well-being.
3. Injury Prevention: Through regular monitoring and adjustments, the team can identify and address potential issues before they escalate into injuries.
4. Optimal Performance: Ultimately, the goal of this team approach is to help the athlete achieve and maintain optimal performance levels, training, competition, and life.
As you continue your optimal health journey, remember that you are part of your own team, working alongside your therapists and healthcare providers. By embracing this team approach, you’re setting yourself up for success, just like the athletes who rely on their support systems to reach new heights.
