Risks of energy drink consumption
Across the country many people have caffeine regularly as a part of their everyday routine. This usually comes in the form of coffee in the morning or throughout the day, however recently energy drinks have been on the rise. With the suggested limit of caffeine being around 400 mg a day, the rise of energy…
Sports Drinks and Hydration
A common byproduct of moderate to rigorous physical activity is water loss from sweating. As little as 3-4% water loss can lead to worsened athletic performance. In order to supplement this loss many athletes turn to sports drinks in order to keep hydration levels balanced. This recent study finds that drinking electrolyte drinks continuously during…
Strategies to Enhance Disability Programming
Through interviews with providers of community-based exercise programs for individuals with disabilities, researchers have developed a comprehensive list of 85 strategies to enhance programs. A user-friendly chart offers actionable methods to improve exercise experiences for people with disabilities, serving as a valuable resource for program providers striving to create more inclusive and effective fitness opportunities.
Managing Healthy Expectations for Youth Athletes
A study delving into the impact of expectations on the well-being of young students in talent schools for sports found that while coach and parental expectations provided motivation, students also faced self-doubt and stress. Coaches played a crucial role in progress, yet excessive dependency on their approval could pose problems. Parental support was appreciated, but…
Belonging in marginalized populations
Organized sports can serve as a powerful conduit for fostering feelings of belonging in marginalized populations, such as individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Effective Cheering
Did you know that cheering for runners is more than just words? Research reveals that providing instructional and motivational support is appreciated by runners, but its effectiveness depends on factors like the runner’s condition and course feedback accuracy. While support is usually uplifting, it can also create pressure. Experts suggest using the “IMPACT” approach (Instructional,…
Exercise-related transient abdominal pain
Have you ever been on a run and suddenly started experiencing pain in the side of your abdomen? Many people refer to this as a side stich, but the proper name is exercise-related transient abdominal pain (ETAP). To help decrease the chances of ETAP, don’t eat a large meal an hour before your run, avoid…
Group cohesion in sport
Group cohesion in simple terms is ‘the glue that helps teammates to stick together’. Cohesion is important for not only group sports but individual sports as well. To help teams become more cohesive, coaches, sport psychologists, and athletes can use team building activities. Team building activities may include games played with teammates, puzzles the team…
SIRC at 50: A half-century of shaping Canadian sports through knowledge and collaboration
The Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) has been a pivotal organization in Canada’s sporting landscape for half a century. Founded with the vision to provide valuable research and knowledge to support the sport community, SIRC along with its partners have played a role in shaping sport in Canada. In this exploration of SIRC’s journey, we’ll…
Athlete-Centered Coaching
Athlete-centered coaching focuses on facilitation and teaching by focusing on the athlete’s humanistic needs. According to research, by using this approach, athletes are empowered through 1) encouragement to discover their full potential; 2) increased independence, self reliance, and control; and 3) prioritization of personal goals over winning, amongst many other things. Coaches should aim to…