Basic Training - The Best Workout Routines for Athletes

Training for athletic greatness starts with simple steps and consistency. If you master these five  important aspects of athletic training, you'll have the foundation that leads to success.

Eating Right for Exercise

Proper hydration and nutrition help you excel in sports and keep your energy at peak levels. But knowing what to eat and drink, and when, can also help you prevent potentially serious sports-related complications, such as dehydration. Proper sports nutrition can also help you recover faster and decrease your risk of injury. Here are five articles that will help you plan your meals accordingly:

• Sports Nutrition Basics from Training to Competition
• Nutrition for Strength Training and Muscle Building
• Post-Exercise Meal
• Pre-Exercise Meal
• Recommendations for Water, Sodium and Potassium

Get Stronger - Strength Exercises | Routines

Strength training is a critical component to improving your athletic performance. Increasing muscular strength and endurance improves an athlete's ability to exercise more efficiently. By putting an emphasis on strength training, you will better prepare your body for recreational and competitive physical activity. Once you plan your strength training program, you will find it easier to do certain exercises. After you've mastered what you already know gradually move toward exercises and routines that are more challenging. These articles will help you build an efficient strength training plan that is simple to start and effective:

• Basic Strength Training Principles
• Simple Strength Training Routine
• Overcome Strength Training Plateaus
• Free Weights Vs. Machines

Get More Flexible - Stretching Routines | Exercises

Just when you've improved your strength, be sure you stay flexible. Proper stretching and flexibility exercises are essential for athletes. Learn how and why to stretch, benefits and limitations, and sample flexibility routines with these five posts.

• Stretching Basics
• Stretching Routine for Runners
• Standing Quadriceps - Thigh Stretch
• Foam Roller Stretching Routine
• Stretching Routine for Groin Pain

Improve Your Technique - Sports-Specific Training

As you build strength and start eating right, you may find your next best step is to improve your form and technique. Depending on your sport, you will need to look to conditioning exercises and sample the best way to better your performance. Your workout routines should have sports-specific training, which includes skills training and the study of sports-specific biomechanics to ensure the proper structure and movement.

• Vertical Jump Training
• Golf Conditioning
• Training Tips for Better Cycling
• Tips for Trail Runners
• Treadmill Workout Advice

Get the Right Gear - Exercise Equipment Advice | Safety

Some sports injuries can be avoided or by understanding how to fit, set-up, and use your sports equipment or gear. Learn how to use and maintain your equipment with these tips. Gear While never a substitute for a proper training routine, the right fitness training gear and exercise equipment can help you improve your performance.

• How to Safely Use Free Weights
• Health Club Dos and Don'ts
• Common Health Club Exercise Mistakes
• Kettlebells

Bonus: Get Your Gadgets On

After you've done all that you can do as an athlete, having gadgets that will help track your progress is a great way to stay on track. Check out these fitness gadgets for your pleasure.

• Best Fitness Gadgets
• Sports Watches
• Sunglasses for Sports
• Protective Gear | Safety Pads | Guards
• Body Composition Analysis Products