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How to get a body like an athlete's

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How to get a body like an athlete's

Many people love an athletic body, but not everyone is ready to put in the work to achieve it. 

Having a ripped tummy, chiseled muscle, and generally, an athletic build is attractive. And while it seem like a difficult body structure to achieve, getting an athletic body involves two major factors:

Exercise

A balanced diet

In this article, we'll be discussing what you need to do to get an athletic body and be the new cool kid on the block 

Tips for getting an athletic body

Here is what you need to do to build your body in the shape you love so much. Rest assured getting an athletic body is achievable, just be ready to put in the work. 

HIIT

Hitting the gym and lifting some dumbbells, pull-ups, flutter kicks, reverse crunches, toe touches, Russian twist, or plan side hip dips. Ask these are high-intensity interval training that will get your muscles puffing up within a short time if you engage in them consistently. 

High-intensity interval training are exercises that are more demanding and strenuous. They increase your heart rate to the maximum, and are good for burning calories faster.

Consume balanced diet

Getting an athletic body does not begin and end with weightlifting. You need essential nutrients to go along with it. 

During exercise, your body loses energy and water. A good replacement is eating balanced diet. 

Eating a balanced diet is an important part of building an athletic body as they help replenish your lost nutrients during workouts. Good rich in carbohydrates, protein, fats, and minerals are the nutrients you need to build your body in your desired shape.

Introduce training variety

The gym is good, and that's like the primary atmosphere to build your body in the shape you admire so much. But while on an athletic body-building spree, do not limit your training or workouts to only the gym.

You can introduce varieties such as doing morning runs, yoga sessions, hiking, or other outdoor activities. Introducing your body to various exercises helps you adapt to a new level of difficulty.

Practice mindfulness

While physical activities stimulate and improve the body, mindfulness stimulates the mind, putting it in a healthy state to carry the body. When you're not in your best state of mind, it affects your physical delivery. So building an athletic body isn't just about the physical, it's about the mental too. 

You can start by practicing deep breathing, mediation, introspection, and yoga, as supplementary to what your body needs to perform optimally.

Get enough sleep

Building your body into an athletic shape involves inactivity too such as getting enough. Through sleep, your body is about to recover and get back into shape, ready for the next adventure you want to take it on. Not getting adequate sleep causes you to break down physically or mentally, which truncates your body-building journey. 

Aim for at least 7-9 hours of sound sleep daily. Get naps inbetween, if you can too. 

Benefits of athletic body

Increased confidence

Getting an athletic body comes with a new level of confidence. It makes you feel fulfilled as this is a body build you've always looked forward to. When you go out with friends, you do not have any worries if you have to remove your shirt to swim. Or a ladies day out with your friends, fitting into a bikini would be easy peasy. And you wouldn't mind showing off your great body, because you worked for it. It's yours. Own it. 

Improved immune system

Regular exercise is good for the body, it gets your immune moving throughout the body during workout. In addition, it promotes a lasting presence of these immune cells for up to 3 hours after your exercise. This gives your immune system all the time it needs to fish out a foreign body with the potential of getting you sick, thereby preventing you from illness.

Agility

Agility allows your body to react to situations with speed and efficiency. This is one of the benefits exercise brings you. Think of when there is chaos and you need to run quickly. As regular exercising individual, your body will not disappoint you when you need it the most. 

To Wrap It Up

Getting an athletic body if what many people admire, but again, not everyone is willing to sacrifice to get it. Wanting an athletic body and putting in the reps to get it will speak well of you. 

Also remember that to get that great body, you must consider consuming a balanced diet. If you're not sure what kind of food to consume, read this article. 

Alternatively, you can connect with a sport nutritionist who will help you fast-track your body-building process and keep you accountable on Sportconn. 

Sportconn is a social platform that connects athletes, sports professionals, businesses, fans, and enthusiasts together to achieve their individual goal. 

Join now to speak to a sport nutritionist.  Markdown EditorBoldItalicStrikethroughSuperscriptHeadingLinkBullet ListNumber ListQuote BlockCodeCode BlockTablePostSave Draft

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[sportconn]

How to Become a Sponsored Athlete—Step-by-Step Guide

How to Become a Sponsored Athlete—Step-by-Step Guide

Becoming a sponsored athlete is the “door of opportunities” you hear people say. Many sports brands have modernized marketing, and at the center of this is becoming partners with athletes.

As an athlete, your career will take flight when you get sponsorship from sport apparel brands, or other brands generally. You gain more recognition, increased income, and control attention. All your sports equipment you used to struggle to get in place will be taken care of.

In this article we will highlight the step-by-step process to becoming a sponsored athlete. 

Get your documents in place

You already have an identity, but your sponsors will have to know more about you to consider sponsoring you. So the first thing to do is get your document ready. If you're good with speech, prepare an elevator speech to sell yourself when you visit potential sponsors. 

Have a good CV and cover letter that highlights your achievements and what you stand for. If you've taken part in any notable competition, or have made a major media appearance.

It doesn't have to be grandiose, and you do not have to add any information that is not true. 

Build your personal brand

Things have changed, and people who have a business use social media to build their personal brand. Endeavor to have a strong media presence for two purposes: one, to serve as your online CV, and two, to serve as a channel to promote your sponsors’ brand.

Having a brand in this digital era makes things easier for you if you're looking to get a sponsor. It makes businesses consider you as an intentional athlete. Also, they see the potential benefit of partnering with you. 

Here are some social media you can start building your brand on

LinkedIn

X

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Set up your profile to attract potential sponsors, it'll fast-track your process. 

Start small

There's an understand urge to jump right into the big business, but you must understand that everything good starts small. You can start by approaching small sports brands in your community.

Be committed to promoting their businesses in the little way you can, then build your way up by approaching medium scale businesses and large scale sports businesses to get partnership deals.

Promote your brand

Promoting your brand is an effective way to keep sponsors attracted to your page. Doing this consistently helps you build momentum and ultimately seal partnership deals. 

Start by creating content on your trainings, competitions, or other big sports events you're part of across all your social media channels. 

This shouldn't cost you much, and you can hire the services of a social media manager since you'd be busy on the field anyway. 

Join a support community

Become part of a real time community where you can meet and strike sponsorship deals with businesses as an athlete. These communities have a system for connecting with other people who have something in common with you such as fellow athletes, sports professionals, and businesses, which is your major focus on the case. 

To Wrap It Up

Speaking of joining a community, Sportconn is a social platform that connects athletes, sports professionals, businesses, fans, and enthusiasts. 

Your sponsors are waiting for you, start connecting with them now. Start here

[sportconn]

Should you worry about visible penis lines as an athlete?

It gets quite embarrassing sometimes when your sports pant has a little bulge.

As an athlete, especially self aware athletes, you'll feel like that's the only part of your body fans are concentrating on rather than what you have to offer. And this can distract you from the main business—doing what you know best and winning—consequently leading to a poor performance. 

Sport requires absolute focus, anything else is detrimental to your performance. But you need to get rid of this little distraction first.

Let's find out if you should be worried about the visible penis line and how you can manage it. 

Why do you have a bulge?

There are several reasons you may have a bulge on your sports pants. And it's not your fault in most cases, of course, unless it is. Let's discuss them below. 

Tight yoga pants

If you get a bulge in your sports pants, chances are your pants are too tight. Most sports clothes are moderately tight, which is how it should be, ideally. When choosing your sports clothes, ensure to get fitted but comfortable fabrics that don't restrict your movement. Tight underpants make you uncomfortable and don't allow you to carry out your daily workout routine efficiently. 

Thin yoga pants

Some underpants are made of thin fabrics which accentuate the contours of your package, further outlining your genitalia. Well-structured materials are better in this regard as they conceal more than they accentuate.

Absence of underwear

A contributing factor to your genitalia bulging is when you don't have an underwear on. Underwears keep your crotch stationary as against bouncing around, bulging, or making a scene.

Body movements and positioning

Your current standing, sitting, or moving posture could make your package bulge. This means, sometimes, it isn't the clothes or body mass, it's about your posture. But you're naturally supposed to move, especially during your workout at the gym or on the field, so, this shouldn't bother you. 

Body structure

Every male has different body structures that may contribute—or not—to their genital bulge. While some people have bigger body mass, others don't. The bulge can be a result of their body structure, in some cases, not necessarily what they're wearing. Without trying, or having sexual thoughts, some people get erection sometimes. And no, they are not perverts, or about to pounce on a female, it's the nature of their body. 

What to do about a bulge

We understand the uncomfortable attention your bulge can generate as an athlete whether in the field or at the gym. And it’s unfortunate that on Quora, there have been arguments about males simply showing off their bulge and pretending to be uncomfortable in disguise. This is not true for all males, at least not for you, if not, you wouldn’t be reading this.

So let's discuss the possible solutions to a bulge in your athlete wear in public.

Wear pants

This is the number one solution to keeping your package in place if wearing only your stretchy yoga pants might earn you some embarrassment and a false accusation of “showing off”.

While selecting a pants, be sure you pick one that is elastic enough to allow you stretch, and thick enough to keep your package in place. 

Select darker colors

Color plays a role in making your jock visible or not to the public. Some colors accentuate your bulge than others, putting you in the spotlight you do not want to be. Light colors such as yellow, light pink, green, etc., make the outline more visible than darker shades like black. Ideally, you should go for colors that aren't so bright to avoid attracting the wrong attention.

Wear a jockstrap

A jockstrap performs almost the same function as a pants, except it has been specially designed to cater to your jock by packaging them in place—it doesn't take care of your butt. It holds your jock firmly in place, letting you run, jump, or perform any other sport activities without your package swinging around or making its outline visible. However, while choosing a jockstrap, be sure to get a comfortable one, so you can still perform stretches without it holding you back. 

Get your mind off it

Besides having a huge body mass, if you're getting a bulge from other factors such as your thoughts, ensure you get rid of such thoughts and focus on your game. When you stop being aware of it, it tends to become flaccid. Alternatively, you can practice holding your breath every 10 seconds. This works like magic; it will be down in a few minutes. 

Note that this only applies if the bulge is caused by factors such as sexual conjuring. 

Stop caring what people think

The awkwardness doesn't begin when you have a bulge, it begins when you become self aware that people are staring at it. Usually, athletes are expected to wear tight-fitted apparels, though comfortable enough to make them move and stretch.

So if people seem focused on your bulge, it has nothing to do with you and everything to do with them. It might make them feel uncomfortable due to stories about sexual harassment, or their personal experience. But it doesn't change the fact that you're an athlete and you have to wear fitted apparels.

To Wrap It Up

You shouldn't feel embarrassed about your bulge in your sports apparel. Everyone should understand you wear them for a reason, unless they are the problem.

Although, many non-athletes may not be used to seeing you in fitted apparels, and that's okay. But your tribe will understand why you wear them and pass no judgment, and integrate you into an athlete community.

Speaking of an athlete community, Sportconn is a social sports platform you can trust to meet athletes like you, sports professionals, and sponsors, and fans. 

It'll be interesting to be part of a family that has no problem with your tight sports apparel. 

Join Sportconn now, and it'll be the best decision you've made in a while. 

[sportconn]

Fatigue — Tips for managing fatigue for athletes

Fatigue — Tips for managing fatigue for athletes

It doesn't matter your body mass or endurance level, fatigue is a phenomena every athlete encounters in the course of their career. You want to get on the field and do what you know best but something keeps tugging at your strength, leaving you with no other option but to lay back.

Hitting your goals and targets isn't always about intensifying your effort. Even that can lead to breakdown. Hitting your goals is about being your optimal self. And that involves managing fatigue efficiently. 

When you master the art of fatigue management, you'll be on the top of your game. You'll also learn to listen to your body in the process.

We're sure you can't wait to learn how to keep your energy tank full at all times with fatigue management. Don't worry, we have you covered. 

In this article, we'll be looking at what athlete fatigue means, types and causes, and effective managing mechanisms.

What is athletic fatigue?

HCA Healthcare UK defined athletic fatigue as the overwhelming sustained feeling of exhaustion and decreased capacity to complete physical exercise.

As an athlete, fatigue stems from cumulative intensive training, or engaging in competitions back to back without getting enough rest in-between.

Usually, these are the primary causes of fatigue in athletes, but there can be other causes such as an underlying health problem like diabetes, heart disease, etc.

Fatigue has nothing to do with the age of physical abilities of an athlete. It can occur in athletes of any age or body composition. And when it does, it's best to get adequate rest, or treatment, if it's a case of underlying illnesses. Let's discuss the various causes of fatigue below.

Causes of athletic fatigue

As mentioned earlier, athletic fatigue can stem from two broad categories; sports related and health related. Let's discuss them individually. 

Sports related causes

Fatigue that arises as a precedent of overtraining, inadequate sleep/rest, wrong diet, lack of hydration, and increased stress are sports-related causes. 

Overtraining

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is good for body building and for performance improvements. But if not done in moderation, can accelerate wear and tear of your joints and tendons. Running several meters consistently without waiting to breathe can cause fatigue when you need your strength the most.

Lack of adequate rest

If you've been working off day after day at the gym, or carrying out drill after drill on the field without getting enough rest, you stand the chance of suffering fatigue. 

Your body needs all the rest it can get after an intensive workout. You must prioritize rest the same way you prioritize your training. 

Lack of hydration

Not consuming the right amount of water per day can cause fatigue. As an athlete, your body excretes water during workouts and play. You need adequate replacement of that amount of water you lost during those activities. 

Research says it is ideal for males to drink 15.5 cups of water per day, and females 11.5 cups per day as against the popular 8 cups per day. Although the quantity may vary slightly based on the nature of your system, activity level, or other factors.

Wrong diet

There are macronutrients and micronutrients you should consume as an athlete to keep in shape and help you stay healthy. A deviation from this set of diet can have an adverse effect on your performance. Essential macronutrients you should stick to are carbs, protein, fats and minerals.

Increased stress

Stress, whether physical or mental, is a huge contributing factor of fatigue. Stretching yourself during training, not giving yourself time to recover before engaging in other strenuous activities is highway to fatigue. 

Mental stress such as worrying, anxiety, depression, can cause fatigue, leaving you with no strength to even carry yourself. 

Health related causes

Diabetes

Diabetes is a lifelong health condition. There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2 diabetes. They both cause the glucose (sugar level) in patients’ bodies to become too high leading to extreme tiredness and other uncomfortable symptoms. 

Heart diseases

Heart disease is associated with constricted arteries. If your coronary arteries are constricted, they can't pump oxygen-rich blood to the heart. This is evident in severe heartbeat of patients during workout. One of the notable symptoms is quick tiredness.

Thyroid disorders

Thyroid disorders can affect your energy level and mood. Patients with thyroid disorders may fatigue. Hypothyroidism tends to make people tired, sluggish, and depressed. 

Fatigue management for athletes

When you experience fatigue, stay calm, you do not have a reason to panic. You only need to follow the steps below, be proactive in future, and you'll be fine. 

Get on a good diet

Go on athlete nutrition mode by consuming foods rich in carbs, protein, fats, and minerals. You need these foods to repair worn-out tissues in your body such as tendons. 

Avoid High Intensity Interval Training

Avoid taking part in strenuous sports activities as this will further wear out your body. According to Bolder Athletes, a good rule of thumb is the 10% rule. This means you must not go beyond 10% of workout volume each week. 

Drink enough water

As highlighted earlier, water is part of the essential nutrients you need as an athlete. And due to the volume of water your body excretes during workout or training, there is a need to consume an adequate amount of water daily. 15.5 cups for male athletes, and 11.5 for female athletes. 

Have a bottle of water handy and sip after every moderate or high intensity workout. 

Get enough rest

Ensure you give your body enough time to recover from stress from workout and training before you get back into action. Aim for 7-9 hours of good sleep to enable your body to replenish lost energy. While you're getting rest, you can engage in light activities like walking, swimming, and yoga until you have fully recovered.

To Wrap It Up

Fatigue can be a stumbling block to your career momentarily. Though, it is a sign that your body needs to rest and replenish lost energy. This is a time you must listen to your body to know what steps to take next.

Prioritize self care during fatigue, and rest assured your body will get back into fitness so you can continue what you do best—sports. 

Do you need a helping hand with this? You can connect with sports professionals such as coaches or nutritionists who'll fast-track your progress and keep you accountable on Sportconn. 

Sportconn is a social platform that connects athletes, sports professionals, businesses, fans, and enthusiasts together. 

Get Started now