The pursuit of athletic performance is common among athletes. However, some forget that there must be a balance between health and high performance . After all, the wear and tear on the body and mind caused by excessive training throughout this process may not be so positive.
Therefore, having an intense training routine and, of course, a lot of dedication is sometimes not enough to achieve the desired results. It’s important to consider other aspects that are essential in this process. In addition to focusing on physical fitness, it’s important to pay attention to mental health and a proper diet .
Although high physical performance brings benefits, pushing yourself to the limit in training can also be harmful , so if you want to discover how to achieve a level of excellence in sport without harming your health , stay here and follow this content.
What is sports performance?
Sports performance is characterized by the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle with a better quality of life . Furthermore, this term relates to physical capacity and/or even the body’s regeneration in the face of injury or excessive exertion.
Often, to maintain this habit correctly, it is necessary to make adjustments to your routine that go beyond training, with the first step being to define goals that will help you achieve good sports performance .
Therefore, having a balanced and consistent exercise routine can help with athletic development. Furthermore, a balanced diet is another important factor in achieving the desired development.
While it’s no secret that sports bring many benefits to the body and mind, by achieving good athletic performance, you can improve your health in several ways, such as:
- Increased physical fitness.
- Improved concentration.
- Stress reduction.
- Between others.
Finally, anyone who thinks that amateur athletes cannot benefit from sports performance is mistaken. After all, with the proper guidance from a professional , it is possible to achieve better results!
What is the relationship between health and high performance?
As mentioned earlier, anyone can achieve good athletic development. However, to achieve peak performance, athletes need to work meticulously toward their goals.
To achieve this, it’s necessary to be consistent in training and receive professional support (nutritionist, endocrinologist, physical therapist, among others) to develop physical abilities. At the same time, applying individual strategies is essential; after all, this is the only way to achieve advanced performance.
However, achieving excellence requires attention . This is because, in striving for peak performance, athletes forget the relationship between health and performance, compromising their performance due to a lack of attention to training intensity.
Consequences of high performance
Like everything in life, excess can lead to problems, right? And sports are no different!
Several issues can affect an athlete’s performance, whether through emotional or physical exhaustion. Therefore, the main signs that arise in people who overdo their pursuit of high performance are often frequent pain, injuries, and even mood swings .
So, to avoid these and other complications, listen to your body and rest . After all, your body needs time to recover. Prevention is always the best medicine !
How does high performance influence mental health?
High performance is related to physical conditioning and increased performance. However, people who dedicate themselves to high-intensity sports may reach their limits (physical, mental, and emotional) at some point.
Mental health is one of the essential foundations for a successful career in sports, as it’s through it that well-being is achieved. However, it’s common for athletes to neglect their quality of life, creating stress and anxiety in their daily lives.
Classic symptoms of overtraining can arise in athletes focused on high performance. These include:
- Physical and mental fatigue.
- Discouragement.
- Sudden mood swings.
- Reduced interest in daily pleasures.
- Between others.
Furthermore, talking to your trainer is a great way to adapt your training plan to avoid further exhaustion. Finally, recognizing that your body is at its limit can be significant ; it can help prevent both physical and mental exhaustion.
Despite this, high performance can bring benefits to mental health. Check out some of them below:
1. Improves concentration
When an athlete is committed to achieving high athletic performance, they work on detailed techniques and tactics to meet the challenges they face. This improves concentration (and performance) throughout the training session.
2. Increases hormone release
Hormones like endorphins and serotonin are released into the bloodstream with frequent training. Therefore, high performance can improve mood, aid in sleep regulation, and relax the body .
3. Improves balance
In addition to physical balance being benefited through high performance , the mind is also favored , as the athlete recognizes their goals and knows which techniques are necessary to fulfill their purposes.
Health and high performance: is it possible to combine both?
Health and high performance are two important aspects of athletes’ lives. Through this relationship, physical, cognitive, and emotional skills are developed , enabling personal goals and objectives to be achieved.
However, to achieve good results from this combination, it is recommended to respect your limits, have adequate planning, and not give up on sports advice and specialized medical monitoring.
Challenges are always welcome to keep your motivation up , but don’t forget that they need to be aligned so they don’t negatively affect your well-being!