Tips on Nutrition

[andy94566]

So i am a beginner pole vaulter looking forward for a "competitive edge" over other beginning vaulters. My coaches seem to emphasize alot about propert nutriton so i was wondering if i eat really clean (no fast food, fried food, instant food) and alot of veges, lean meats, and fruits. Would it really help in my performance? Also, is taking a sports supplement like creatine helpful? Thanks

[rainbowgirl28]

Eating clean is good. Taking creatine is unlikely to make a difference for you.

The best thing you can do is try to find a pole vault club or camp near you and get as much practice as possible with some good coaches.

[Andy_C]

You'll be surprised how much eating good things will make a difference for you. Fruits are the best IMO - eat lots of fruits.

As rainbowgirl said, tons and tons of supplements won't likely make all that much of a difference to you at this stage. But good food will keep your body and mind in good shape to learn during your training session. With that comes a greater improvement in technique which is the biggest difference maker you can have right now.

-Andrew

[vault3rb0y]

As far as nutrition, for a beginning pole vaulter I would not worry about eating a certain way to look/perform a certain way. However, you should definitely emphasize your before-workout nutrition. Try to drink 2 big water bottles (Nalgenes or whatever) throughout the day leading up to every practice. Also, make sure you never practice before getting at least one good meal in, no less than 3 hours before your practice. Then, you may also feel the benefit of a banana/apple/granola bar/small carbohydrates about 30 minutes before you start practice, especially if you are going to be in the weight room or running a workout. Having carbohydrates and plenty of water in your blood stream helps your body to recover from each sprint or lift more quickly, and gives you the energy to not crash after 30 minutes of working out. It can make a big difference when you know you have a tough workout.

I would stay away from other supplements. The limiting factor of your training is not going to be what you eat at this point, it's most likely the intensity and hard work you put in the weight room, on the track, and in vaulting. So I would focus on that for now.