Is Your Body Up to Par with the Demands of Tournament Travel
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How to minimize stress and stay on task with your goals of consistent playing performance
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by Susan Hill
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Traveling for tournaments can offer
interesting challenges to even the most
structured players. Most juniors maintain very
balanced lifestyles so they can effectively
manage their school work, practice schedules
and family time. However, once players begin
summer tournament schedules, many structured
programs become more difficult to manage.
When you are at home, your schedule runs like
clock work and you feel in control. When
traveling, you are subject to many
uncontrollable variables like what food or
meals you may have access to, when you can
eat, where you will work out, and other
unexpected travel logistics.
Here are some ways to minimize the stress
involved and help you keep on task with your
goals of consistent playing performance. With
a little bit of planning and creative strategy
you can help keep your body ready for optimal
play in any conditions.
Don’t skip meals. Golfers need that slow
and steady release of energy to see them
through difficult or long hours of play and
travel. Smaller meals are better to help
increase metabolism. If you are unsure of meal
frequency, always pack some nutrition bars,
trail mix, piece of fruit or meal replacement
shake mix. They will go a long way in
replenishing energy when you need it.
Drink lots of water. Traveling by plane
always places your body in a state of
dehydration. If you aren’t allowed to carry a
water bottle through the metal detector, then
make sure you get regular drinks in between
layovers and before/after you land.
Avoid high processed foods or sugar based
foods. They tend to raise blood sugar levels
quickly and, then, drop rapidly causing
fatigue. Airports are filled with unhealthy
options that can have a negative effect on
your body.
Stick with the basics. Don’t try new foods
while traveling unless it’s a victory dinner
or post round celebration. Stick with what you
know your body responds well to.
Pack your fitness attire so you can
continue your exercise and stretch routine on
the road. Once you have a system that works
for you at home, try not to make changes to
your schedule. Your mind and your body will
know the difference. If you typically work out
at home, make sure you adhere to the program
as you travel. Most junior tournaments are
played at resorts with exercise or fitness
facilities. If for any reason you don’t have
access, you should still be able to use your
room or a grassy area on the premises to
complete your routine.
Keeping things as much the same as possible is
one of the secrets to maintaining consistency
in competitive play. It is very common to let
travel schedules disrupt your normal system
and this is exactly what can lead to
disruptions in play.
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