Athletic Performance

Have you every participated in a weekend long tournament? During these athletic tournaments, teams often play numerous games in a day. Traveling teams often stay in hotels after their games. What would happen if a team that was supposed to be resting at the hotel decided to swim the pool and then stay up late? Would that team be well rested for the next day filled with games?

Before you learn more about the importance of rest, think about your own level of rest and athletic performance. It may help to consider the following questions.

• Do you ever feel well rested?
• Is there a lack of motivation to complete your workout?
• Do you feel sluggish during an aerobic or anaerobic activity?
• Are there certain times of the day when you feel more exhausted than others?
• Have you ever participated in an athletic event when you were not fully rested?