OUR bodies need a continuous supply of energy to function properly, Certified National Academy of Sports Medicine personal trainer Jerry Diaz said.
While one performs an exercise routine, he said the body’s stored energy is converted into a form of fuel that is utilized during muscle contractions.
This also explains the importance of post-recovery meals that restore our energy, he added.
Diaz said an endurance athlete training for a marathon, paddling, biking or swimming competition require a higher amount of carbohydrates to boost his or her staying power.
As for high-impact and intense sports such as track & field, mixed martial arts, basketball and football, Diaz said one must maintain a balanced protein and carbohydrate consumption level for short, intense spurts and quality output.
“An athlete understands that he or she must exercise repeatedly to master a skill while balancing fuel intake to ensure consistency and avoid injury, Diaz said.
“As a lifelong fitness enthusiast, prior to easily accessing healthy fitness approaches online, I remember purchasing fitness magazines such as Men’s Health or Bodybuilding at Bestseller, in search of new ways to lose weight and to look good while performing well in sports. But it’s difficult to lose weight while trying to gain lean muscle mass. I still did not understand the need for proper nutrition to maintain energy.”
Diaz said today, he shares with his clients what he has learned over the years.
“Each individual’s food intake throughout the day and week is taken into consideration as well as the person’s energy output,” he added.
He noted that each individual’s metabolic system is different. Hence, some may see results as fast as five weeks while the rest may take eight weeks before seeing a concrete visual outcome, he said.
As a certified personal trainer, Diaz said he assists his client in preparing a fitness program that progressively builds on the individual’s metabolism through a balanced exercise and nutrition plan.
He said his goal is to help an individual figure out what it takes to achieve his or her desired fitness results.
Jerry Diaz shouts for joy during a training session.
Contributed photo
