Concerns over the spread of the coronavirus have brought uncertainty to just about everything, including sports. Tournaments have been halted, seasons cancelled and training facilities shuttered.
On this episode of the NutraCast, we were virtually joined by Dr. Shawn Arent, professor and chair in the Department of Exercise Science at the University of South Carolina and the director of UofSC Sport Science Lab.
Arent said despite the challenging transition, athletes have been very supportive of each other by staying in touch online, keeping positive and sharing workouts.
“When I think about it from an athlete’s standpoint, I would imagine and I hope that having this situation occur is going to make them value what they have around the team and around that dynamic even more, because it’s very eye opening when you have it taken from you.”
Socializing challenges aside, athletes are also grappling with keeping up with their fitness. “It doesn’t have to take a lot of equipment to get some effective training. Do I expect it to be as effective as what they might have been able to do had they been able to get into university facilities or if you’re an olympic athlete what you would otherwise have access to that maybe they shut down? Not necessarily, but it’s not an excuse to stop moving.” The sports scientist added, “Hey if you need inspiration, watch Rocky 4.”
To hear more health tips for athletes, as well as everyday people and first responders, check out the NutraCast. You can also subscribe on iTunes here.
NutraCast is a podcast that focuses on insights from inside the nutrition industry. It is a production by NutraIngredients-USA. Music by Kevin Macleod.
