Strength Programs for Sports Basic Training - The Best Workout Routines for Athletes Get expert advice for better sports performance By Elizabeth Quinn Elizabeth Quinn is an exercise physiologist, sports medicine writer, and fitness consultant for corporate wellness and rehabilitation clinics. Learn about our editorial process Elizabeth Quinn Reviewed by Reviewed by Tara Laferrara, CPT on December 23, 2020 Tara Laferrara is a certified NASM personal trainer, yoga teacher, and fitness coach. She also created her own online training program, the TL Method. Learn about our Review Board Tara Laferrara, CPT Updated on December 23, 2020 Print 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 Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get exercise tips to make your workouts less work and more fun. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit