According to an article in the Journal of International Medical Research, as the sports industry has grown, so has the attention paid by professional leagues to sports science. Sports scientists aim to make significant contributions to the body of knowledge that influences professional athletes’ practice and performance. But sports science is not just for the scientists – it is important to learn about it no matter what your role in the fitness industry is.
People get into the sports industry for many reasons – maybe you are passionate about health and fitness, maybe you want to guide pro athletes to success, or maybe you just love to exercise? But whether your dream is to become a personal trainer, sports coach, or fitness guru, applying scientific findings to your training programs is crucial.
What Is Sports Science?
Sports science is all about applying the study of science to sporting activities. Its focus is on maximising performance and effectiveness, as well as preventing injury. How do we know that hydration is key to successful exercise and that training should include a combination of strength and cardio? How do we know what exercises are safe when you are pregnant or recovering from an injury? The answer is from the finding of sports science! Although here at ETA our focus is on practical applications in fitness and coaching, these practical applications are all influenced by sports science.
For kids who are sporty and active but also interested in science, sports science may present a great career path. Help children recognize the wonder of science by embracing their curiosity and encouraging them to ask “why” questions. Rather than seeing science as something that happens “out there”, hands-on exploratory activities show them that science is all around us. For example, sports science can sometimes explain why some soccer players are so successful and can help you get better at scoring goals too!
Just For The Pros?
Today, almost all elite athletes have regular consultations with sports scientists, in areas such as sports physiology, biomechanics, and sports psychology. In many cases, these experts will work with the athlete’s coach to devise a training plan. But while it is fascinating how scientific findings influence pro athletes’ strategies and training regimens, the real value of sports science is in what it can provide for ordinary people looking to get fit. Sports science can tell us how often we should work out, what types of exercise will best achieve our fitness goals, what to eat after a workout, and much more.
Using scientific knowledge is especially important for personal trainers. People are different – a training program that works wonderfully for one person may be dangerous to another person’s health. Personal trainers use their knowledge of sports science to devise personalised training programs that suit an individual’s unique abilities, needs, and goals. Knowledge about sports science is also incredibly useful for correcting problems in someone’s form. With the right expertise, watching a video of someone run
can tell you exactly why they are getting shin splints – and you can work with them to fix the problem. Whether you plan to work with athletes or ordinary people, it is crucial to be clued up on the latest findings in sports science so you can serve your clients well.
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