Performance enhancement is something that everyone should strive for. Whether you are a casual athlete just looking for ways to improve your game, or you are a professional looking to explore every option for a competitive edge, there are so many ways to give yourself an advantage over your competitors.

When people say “it takes dedication”, what they mean is, it takes a dedicated attitude to make the right choices, choices that benefit your performance on a consistent basis.

We have compiled a list of some of the most important lifestyle choices you can make to ensure your mind and body perform at their best. These are not magical fixes, but if you integrate them into your daily routine, you are encouraging the best possible performance you can achieve!

Rest and Recovery

It doesn’t matter how hard you train if you don’t get the proper amount of rest. Remember training is where you work, resting is where you build. It can be tough to strike a balance between the two, mainly because most people think the more often you train, the better the results.

That is true up to a certain point. Too much training can leave you in an energy and nutrient deficit, leave you exhausted for competitions, and can actually damage your body and central nervous system.

Studies have shown that well-rested athletes are less prone to injury and illness, meaning they miss fewer training sessions. They have also observed significantly greater performance output from well-rested athletes. 

Performance Enhancement Foods 

So we’ve covered rest, the next most important aspect of performance is making sure your body has the necessary fuel to deliver. This can vary depending on your specialty. Strength and endurance athletes may look for different energy sources, as well as those looking for improved cognitive function and mental clarity.

As a general rule of thumb, you want to avoid added sugars at all costs as they give very temporary energy boosts followed by crashes and do your body no favors.

You should aim to pack your diet full of nutrient-rich, calorie-dense foods that can provide your body and brain with sufficient energy throughout the day. These foods are high in lean protein to build muscle and include carbs and healthy fat for a reliable power source. We have included examples below:

Carbohydrates

• Fruit
• Oatmeal
• Starchy vegetables (sweet/white potatoes)
• Brown or wild rice

Protein

• Whole eggs
• Greek yogurt
• Lean red meats
• Poultry
• Fish
• Hummus

Healthy Fat

• Avocado
• Peanut butter
• Nuts and seeds
• Coconut oil

Train Hard

Now that your body is well-rested and properly fueled, you can put your body to work! By consistently training at a high intensity you are training your mind just as much as your body. When we perform a task on a regular basis, our brain wants to make our bodies more efficient at completing that task.

Let’s say you run the 100m dash. If you train multiple days per week, you will build neural pathways, muscle memory, muscle recruitment, and a fortified brain/body connection.

If you ever wonder “how do they make that look so easy?” There are countless hours of training involved, months and years of hard work to be the best at their sport. Gaining a competitive advantage takes dedication and hard work.

Never Be The Best In The Room

This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t be confident, because confidence is an incredibly important aspect of performance. Instead, always assume that there is someone who is working harder than you, someone who is slightly faster or stronger.

Becoming complacent will sabotage your success. If you think you are the best, you won’t have a goal to chase, records to break, or times to beat. The drive of competition itself can help you push your limits and ensure you’re giving 101% every time. 

Studies have shown there is a direct link between the stress induced by competition that increases athletic output.

Brain Performance Enhancement 

The team of professionals at Hope Brain & Body Recovery Center is helping athletes and people looking to perform better under pressure with cognitive and metabolic performance enhancement. Our team recognizes the critical role that your brain plays in high-stress, fast-paced environments.

We utilize state-of-the-art techniques to optimize your cognitive functions, particularly resources involved with timing, coordination, focus, and attention.

Our combination of both Hi-tech brain assessments and training methods, coupled with metabolic counseling to address fuel delivery to your body’s most important asset (your brain), will allow us to monitor and assist you in improving what is considered by many to be the most important aspect of peak performance; brain function. 

Our assessments will reveal deviations from ‘normal’ brain function that in most cases can be improved and even corrected, allowing for your individual talents to be magnified.

Performance Enhancement Brain Training in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania

If you are looking to gain a competitive edge through brain training and metabolic efficiency, reach out to the specialists at Hope Brain & Body Recovery Center. Our team of experts will help you unlock your brain, allowing you to achieve your true potential. Call our offices to speak with a representative or schedule a consultation online today!