Sports Nutrition

Overview

The Sports Nutrition course from Warnborough College is perfect for the amateur (or professional) sportsman, trainer, coach, or anyone wanting to better manage diet for improved or more appropriate sporting performance.

Scope of studies

• Introduction to Human and Sports Nutrition. This lesson gives the student a basic grounding in human nutrition as it relates to sport. Topics include: dietary nutrients; recommended daily intake; the balanced diet; carbohydrates (including the glycemic index), fats and proteins.

• Energy. This lesson explains the concept of chemical energy and how it is produced in the human body. Topics include: Calories and Kilojoules; energy systems and adenosine triphosphate; and aerobic vs anaerobic respiration.

• Energy in the athlete’s body. This lesson examines how energy is utilised in the human body. Topics include: aerobic capacity; respiratory quotient; metabolism; stages of exercise; energy sources during exercise; and protein as an energy source.

• The training diet. Looks at the principles of a training diet and how to design an effective training diet. Topics include carbohydrates; proteins and the protein needs of athletes; fats; other nutrients (such as antioxidants); and meal timing

• The competition diet. In this lesson, the student will learn about the principles behind and how to design a diet for an athlete for the days leading up to, during and after a competition. Topics include carbohydrate loading and the carbohydrate needs of athletes; guidelines for pre competition eating; eating during competition; competition, fatigue and nutrition; and competition recovery requirements.

• Fluids. Explains the importance of fluids in an athlete’s diet. Topics include: the function of water in the human body; fluid needs in humans; water and solute regulation in the body; electrolytes; water and body temperature regulation; fluid intake before, during and after exercise; and intra venous fluid replacement.

• The athlete’s body composition. Teaches students about the body composition of an athlete, and methods of measuring body composition. Topics include: components of the human body; body composition assessment techniques; the importance of body composition to performance; and the body mass index.

• Weight Management. This lesson examines effective methods for weight reduction and body fat control where they are deemed necessary. Topics include: the mechanics of weight loss; why athletes may want to lose weight; ‘making weight’ and ‘cutting up’; weight loss and physical performance; overweight people; weight change and low energy diets; tips for losing body fat; key characteristics of a safe weight reduction diet; and eating disorders.

• Training for Size and the use of Sports Supplements. Examines methods of increasing muscle mass and assesses the use of sports supplements. Topics include: how to gain weight; gaining muscle mass; evaluating the use of sports supplements; types of sports supplements; and supplements and drug testing.