Water:  the most abundant resource on the planet.  However, in all its abundance, most athletes do not drink enough of it.  Water plays a vital role in performance, and it can be argued that it affects performance more than any other nutrient.  If dehydrated, the body cannot adapt as every physiological function will be impaired.

When performance and nutrition are discussed in conjunction with one another it is usually protein that gets most of the attention.  But what about carbohydrates?  Carbohydrates are a key player in performance as well, because they provide the body with fuel for energy.  Carbohydrates can be found in a variety of foods.  The most ideal carbohydrates are found in pasta, breads, cereal, fruits, and vegetables.

Patrick Merrigan came to Max Performance during the summer of 2008.  He had just finished his high school career at Lewis-Palmer and was looking to improve his performance for the next level.  With six weeks before he had to leave for his freshman year of college, Pat was looking to improve his strength, speed, and agility in hopes of walking on to the Dickinson College baseball team.  He showed up to every workout ready to work hard and left knowing that he had pushed himself to the fullest that day.  After leaving Colorado Springs for Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Pat spent the fall working out and practicing with the Dickinson team.

Often overlooked as an effective training tool, jumping rope can benefit an athlete of any sport.  Jump rope training has many positive benefits that can enhance an athlete’s performance, including: increased speed, improved agility, better reaction times, increased explosiveness, improved endurance, improved posture, better hand-eye coordination, better balance, improved concentration, and increased strength.