Competitive Tennis Devastates The Body

Successive days of hard tennis competition puts incredible stress on the body and can cause serious damage if the body is not given proper nutrition and hydration. Tennis players can face carbohydrate depletion, fluid depletion and general nutrient depletion.

It is recommended that a competitive athlete take in about 3,600 calories per day and drink a lot of fluids to counteract the potential devastation competitive tennis could do to the body.

Players Drinking Adequate Fluids

A survey of competitive tennis players -- at the college, Futures, Challenger and ATP level -- shows that the players actually take on the proper amounts and kinds of fluids. It is recommended that athletes take in non-diuretic drinks (like juices, water, milk, sports drinks) and avoid diuretic drinks like caffeine and alcohol.

Players Need To Eat More Carbs

The study showed that players were lacking in carbohydrates (like whole grain bread, nutty barley cereal, whole wheat crackers). The carbohydrates is needed for quick energy, optimal mental performance, glycogen storage replenishment and adequate recovery. (Glycogen is the carbohydrates stored in the muscle and liver.)

Players Eating Excessive Fats

Players were found to be eating too much fat, including too much cholesterol and too much saturated fat. In an act to up their salt intake, players ate a lot of potato chips which is heavy in fat. It was suggested that players substitute pretzels for potato chips.

Protein

Players' protein intake appeared to be fine. Researchers stressed that protein is important for muscle tissue synthesis, not for energy; and researchers found that players wasted a lot of money buying protein supplements which were not needed.

Vitamins

Purchasing vitamins was also deemed to be a waste of money, according to the research. Players vitamin intake appeared to be at the proper level except for Vitamin D and K. The Vitamin D -- needed for strong muscles -- could be made up by a little more sun exposure and an extra glass of milk and the K -- needed to reduce bruising and bleeding -- could be made up by eating more vegetables.

The study was done by Dr. Bonita Marks and researchers at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is collected in the book Tennis, Science and Technology 2, editor S. Miller.

Related:

The Myth About Gatorade

Jarmere Jenkins: Gatorade -- Is It In You?

Tennis Hacker Healthy Eating Guide

Resources:

Bonita Marks Player Study

Carbo-Loading For Competitive Athletes

Myths on The Futures Tour

Over the years a few myths have permeated the Futures tour. One of those myths is that Gatorade, the sports drink, when broken down in the body turns into an illegal substance. False.

Another myth is that players should avoid salt. False. It is true for the general population: avoid salt. But professional athletes lose an incredible amount of micro-nutrients, including salt, through sweating, and need additional salt.

Getting injured is 'good' because you can take steroids legally and it would improve your game. False.

These myths were uncovered by researcher Dr. Bonita Marks in a survey of college, Futures, Challenger and ATP players. The study is published in the book Tennis, Science and Technology 2, edited by S. Miller.

Related:

Futures Tour Survival Guide

Brad Gilbert Talks About The Futures Tour

Making Ends Meet On The Futures Tour

Resources:

Survey of College, Futures, Challenger, ATP Players

Bonita Marks' Pioneering Tennis Research

Tennis Science

Tennis Technology