The NFL has always been a sport with a lot of drama. From the athletes to the coaches, it’s never quiet in this league. But when it comes to health and fitness, it turns out these guys might actually know what they’re talking about.
Athletes in any sport need to stay in shape year-round because their bodies are their livelihoods. And while their lifestyles are usually very different from ours, there are some important lessons that anyone can take away from these tips. From making sure you’re eating enough protein, to getting plenty of sleep every night, scroll down for the best advice from NFL players on how to keep your body healthy and happy!
Get enough sleep
Tom Brady, quarterback for the New England Patriots, is famous for his strict diet and fitness regimen. In an interview with Health Magazine, Brady’s trainer, Alex Guerrero, revealed one of his most important secrets to staying healthy: getting enough sleep. Guerrero says that Brady has a system that tells him when he needs to sleep and when he needs to wake up–and it’s important that he does both. “When you don’t sleep well, your body doesn’t recover as well. You don’t produce these hormones–such as human growth hormone or testosterone–that are really important for physical performance.”
Brady also knows the importance of rest on the job. His coach, Bill Belichick (who once called sleep “the most important thing” in an interview with ESPN scholar Rick Reilly) requires that players on the team get at least eight hours of sleep per night during the season. It’s no surprise then that the Patriots have had one of their best seasons in years this year!
It makes sense–resting after a game is just as important as resting before a game. By giving yourself time to recharge after physically exerting yourself all day, you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way tomorrow!
Eat the right foods
One thing to make sure you’re doing is eating the right foods. You don’t want to eat food that’s fried, loaded with sugar, or high in sodium. The best way to keep your diet on track is by making sure you’re eating the right balance of carbs, fats, and proteins.
“I always try to have a salad either before or after practice or games.” – Lamar Miller
You want to stay away from fatty foods because they take longer for your body to digest. So if you need something fast, stick with lean protein like chicken breasts or salmon. When it comes to carbs, whole grains are better than white breads. And fat should come from healthy sources like unsaturated fats found in almonds and olive oil.
Drink plenty of water
One of the most important pieces of advice for living a healthy lifestyle is to drink plenty of water. Drinking water not only helps boost your energy every day, but every time you feel hungry, it’s a sign you’re actually thirsty and need some water instead. Having plenty of water also helps keep your skin looking fresh; our bodies are made up mostly of water anyways, so why not replenish with some more?
Here are some tips from NFL players on how to stay healthy, happy and in shape
1. Take care of your body.
You might not be able to tell by looking at them, but NFL players are in pretty good shape – and that’s because they take care of their bodies. Whether it’s going to the gym or making sure they’re eating a healthy diet, these guys know the importance of taking care of themselves physically.
2. Get plenty of sleep every night.
When you’re constantly working hard, it can be difficult to get enough sleep every night. But if you want to stay healthy and in shape, you need to make sure that you’re getting enough rest each day. Getting enough sleep will help your body recover from all the wear and tear it endures while playing sports or working out.
3. Eat more protein than carbs after an intense practice or game for maximum recovery time
4. Make sure you stretch before and after workouts for better range of motion
5. Don’t forget about your mental health
6. Drink water!
Conclusion
The NFL is a tough league. For players, it can be physically and mentally demanding. But the better shape they are in, the better chance they have to succeed.
The best way to stay healthy is to get plenty of sleep, eat the right foods, drink plenty of water, stay active, and listen to your body. The following are some tips from NFL players on how to stay healthy, happy and in the shape. They may be helpful for you too!