The nutrition program for each sport has its own characteristics. Today we will talk about proper nutrition for boxers. As with all sports, sports nutrition for boxers has its own characteristics. At the same time, many of the principles of building a nutrition program used in bodybuilding are not acceptable here. It is important for boxers to reduce body fat as much as possible for bodybuilders, but different approaches are used to achieve this.
Bodybuilders can afford to gain some fat, and then take a course to burn them. Boxers need only dry weight, or maintain body composition without changing it, but increasing the indicators of strength and endurance. In addition, mental concentration is of great importance in boxing.
Not all athletes have such natural qualities as Mohammed Ali. However, science, and with it sports pharmacology, has made a strong leap forward and with the use of special additives, great results can be achieved. Today we will try to tell as much as possible about the sports nutrition program for boxers.
Nutritional Supplements for Boxers
1. Amino acid compounds
- building material for proteins. You can often hear questions about the differences between protein and amino acid compounds. After all, it is from proteins in the body that amino acids are synthesized. It should be said right away that amino acid compounds are absorbed by the body almost instantly, which is a very important factor, especially before a training session. Also, different amino acid compounds have different values for the body. The most useful are the following:
- Citrulline - excellently restores muscle tissue and is able to prevent overtraining.
- Glutamine - Rebuilds muscle tissue and also provides the body with the extra energy it needs to fight.
- BCAAs are perhaps the most important amino acid compounds that repair muscle tissue and inhibit catabolic reactions.
- Taurine is a good central nervous system stimulant.
Amino acid compounds should be taken before starting a training session and immediately after it ends.
2. Recovery complexes
are a multicomponent additive containing several reducing agents. Take one serving before starting and after finishing your workout.
3. Adaptogens
- are widely used in many sports, including boxing. These preparations are made from plant materials and are completely safe for the body.
4. Stimulants
can also help boxers. They are able to increase strength indicators, speed, strike accuracy, increase endurance and speed up reaction. In addition, these drugs are excellent fat burners, allowing an athlete to move to a lighter weight category, while leaving strength indicators at the same level. Accepted half an hour before the start of the fight.
5. Vitamin and mineral complexes
Under high loads, the body needs a lot of vitamins and minerals. These substances are essential for all metabolic processes.
6. Complex protein
- is one of the main supplements for a boxer. During the training process, the muscles are subject to strong stress, and the level of catabolic hormones in the body rises. To obtain the best effect, it is worth using complex preparations containing proteins of different absorption rates.
7. Antioxidants
are designed to neutralize dangerous radicals that appear in large quantities in the body during combat.
What boxers should not eat
Not all supplements are beneficial for boxers. Creatine is not suitable for this sport. It promotes the accumulation of fluid in the muscle tissues, which negatively affects the impact speed. Although if an athlete needs to gain muscle mass, then the use of creatine is allowed. When it is taken, the mass and strength indicators will increase. The excess fluid will leave the muscles, and the result will remain.
Various pre-workout complexes containing creatine as well as gainers are not desirable in a boxer's diet. It was written about creatine above, and gainers contribute to the set of fatty deposits. The only time gainers are allowed is before a fight. The body needs slow carbohydrates, and the gainer should be taken a couple of hours before the start of the fight. Also, don't eat protein bars.
Boxing and steroids
The use of steroid drugs in boxing is a very radical step. Anavar or Winstrol are best suited for this. These drugs do not cause a strong increase in muscle mass, but they significantly increase strength and endurance. In addition, they are good at burning excess fat cells. However, the safest seems to be the use of testosterone boosters and anabolic complexes.
For boxer supplements, see this video:
