ABSTRACT

The activities and sports that strength-power athletes engage in stress the body’s tissues and metabolic systems in a unique manner. Thus, it is vital to understand how these activities stress the body so one has the knowledge to develop and implement nutritional strategies and practices for athletes that will promote optimal performance on a daily basis. This chapter will explain the energy demands of strengthpower athletes by discussing: 1) what is unique about strength-power athletes, 2) the energy systems utilized during strength-power activities, 3) macronutrient recommendations and caloric requirements for strength-power athletes, 4) nutrient timing for strength-power athletes, and 5) recovery considerations following exercise. After reading this chapter, the general practitioner should have the competency to provide

4.1 Introduction .................................................................................................... 47 4.2 What Is Unique about Strength-Power Athletes? ..........................................48 4.3 Energy Systems Utilized during Strength-Power Activities .......................... 49

4.3.1 Phosphocreatine System ..................................................................... 49 4.3.2 Glycolysis ............................................................................................50 4.3.3 Aerobic Metabolism ........................................................................... 51

4.4 Macronutrient and General Intake Recommendations ................................... 52 4.4.1 Carbohydrates ..................................................................................... 52 4.4.2 Protein ................................................................................................. 53 4.4.3 Fats ......................................................................................................54