Why Is An Athletes Wellbeing So Important

Wellbeing .... What does that actually mean?
Well ... we all may interpret it differently

Wellbeing to me is a life that has a sense of purpose, a soul that has freedom and a body with health and vitality.

And where does that fit in to the sports industry, achieving goals and a level of 'success'. and what to do when we end our careers

Drive determination and focus are key components on the path to success their importance is immeasurable, It's these components which sustain the success of an athlete but it is also these that, when employed for long periods of time can produce a detrimental effect on an athletes well being.

Its exhausting sustaining such a high level of enthusiasm, Imagine athletes as high performance cars, they move fast win races but even these cars need time to cool down and receive repairs.

There are always newer models being build designed to work harder, move faster and out perform current models.
You are working at your physical optimum level, training harder, and constantly perfecting your technique but another is still a head of you in the race. What if you are getting older and find yourself struggling to keep up with the others. And what if you are on top but others are nipping at your heels?

All these issues can produce high levels of anxiety, depression, frustration etc. Lets not forget the added pressures and expectations from your sponsors, management, fans. Although we can often receive valuable help from sports psychologists, therapist and other experienced individuals, How do we stop our overall well being from being effected during the moments of our everyday lives, How do we induce the feelings we had when we first tasted success, when the joy of the activity out weighed the need for a win. How do we find joy and happiness in the little things and stop the element of winning being the high (the drug) that keeps us happy.

Our mind is the strongest tool that we have in our arsenal and it takes true strength to utilize its incredible power. Although we can seek help from others..... ultimately it is down to ourselves.

Understanding The Body to Maximize Golf Performance (with TrackMan)

Becoming a supple leopard!!!

Great meeting with the lovely Gavin Armstrong PGA professional based at Trevose Golf Club Constantine Bay, Cornwall .

It is always nice to meet with like minded health fanatics like myself.
As a yoga instructor I have always been taught to be aware of body alignment and postures, to grow in to the position and to consider each movement in relation to the joints, hips and torso alignment.

However this meeting has set me down the road less traveled!
Originally with a professional cricket back ground Gavin Armstrong is no stranger to the concept of improved athletic performance, Now gracing the golfing scene his view of the golf swing is rather refreshing.

Surrounded by high tech equipment I watch as he takes a swing, 'This equipment' (The TrackMan Radar) he explains 'measures everything you need to know about your swing' The TrackMan accurately records ball speed, attack angle, club path, face angle etc. It also captures the golf swing with a built in HD video camera or with the use of external cameras'. Gavin's goal is to increase his swing speed to 140 mph and compete in the RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship, having reached 130 mph his goal is not far off!

 

                                                                        TrackMan

'So'.... I ask inquisitively 'where would you like me to fit in to this'

Gavin regularly attends my yoga for golfers classes, which concentrates not only on correct body alignment, flexibility and strength, but also includes space and body awareness, emotional and mental focus and control, stress release, nutrition and natural ways to heal the mind and body and spirit.

He then explains to me the concept of dysfunctional movement in the body, a concept I hadn't really considered in full before....'take a look at this book' (Becoming a Supple Leopard by Dr Kelly Starrett) and he hands me what seems like a weight training aid. 'Lets see if we can combine a few skills'........ noticing my expression, he laughs and says .....'you've got a lot of homework to do!'

'Don't worry' I confidently state 'ill carry it with me everywhere... I'll even use it to do dead lifts in my spare time'

Some light bed time reading!!!!

Follow my blog as we address holistic health, wellbeing, strength, fitness, golf tuition, yoga ... and generally think outside the box when considering golf performance! See how our journey unfolds.

Spirulina ....What is this super food?

Spirulina - what is it?......it is a single-celled, blue-green micro algae that has lived on Earth for roughly 3.5 billion years.

So why is it called a super food?.... it provides a rich source of nutrients and antioxidants such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, selium, zinc, and vitamins C, E and B-Complex.

Spirulina is 65% protein and amino acids including the essential fatty acid (GLA) gamma linolenic acid (used for it's extensive anti-inflammatory properties) 

Spirulina helps remove toxins from the blood and boost the immune system.

Spirulina has a very high concentration of bio-available iron 

Some research has suggested that Spirulina may be helpful for those with allergies and allergic reactions.

Spirulina’s helps tooth remineralization

Spirulina can increase fat burning during exercise.

There are some warnings here though, there is some evidence to suggest that spirulina might aggravate symptoms of autoimmune diseases.

Below are some lovely smoothies containing this super food, I have to admit here that these are not my own recipes but still delicious all the same!

Remember green is good! don't be put off by this very vibrant colour

Papaya Spirulina Smoothie

1 teaspoon spirulina powder

1 papaya

1 lime juiced

½ teaspoon cinnamon

Ice as needed

Directions

Blend in your blender until smooth and enjoy!

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Spirulina Banan-er Smoothie

1 banana

1 ½ teaspoon spirulina powder

1 ½ cups milk – you can also use almond milk

1 tablespoon honey

½ cup yogurt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Ice as needed

Directions

Blend in your blend until smooth and enjoy!