Athlete's Competitiveness Taken to the Limit

Many elite athletes are heavily pressured and put under stress to lose weight and/or get in better physical fitness shape by their coaches, peers, and the competitiveness of the sport.

In this post I will share information from the University of Adelaide, which is a reliable site and organization because of its knowledgeable authors, subscribers, and articles that inform readers about health and mental wellness. I will specifically discuss, “Elite athletes under stress to lose weight.”

http://www.medindia.net/

Why are the standards set so high for highly-achieving athletes?

Elite sportsmen and women are often pressured into going above and beyond with their sport with intense dieting, weight loss, and muscle building. "Most people in the broader community struggle with their weight, but for elite athletes it is an ongoing and precisely measured part of their daily working lives," says research leader Associate Professor Amanda Lecouteur. In order to compete at the advanced level that most coaches expect from their students and athletes, they’re forced to drastically change their daily lifestyles, eating habits, and exercise plans to accommodate the expectations set for them.

When do the pressures become too much?

"For example, having their skin folds measured is an important part of the day-to-day routine and a very big issue for many elite athletes.” states Mr. David Ellis, head Psychology researcher at the University of Adelaide, a highly accredited medical university. Their bodies are measured daily and they are under constant surveillance from their coaches. I believe that this kind of personal examination and stress is extreme and slightly unreasonable. If this is taken too far, it is sadly common that athletes get addicted to losing weight and not eating the amount they should, which could potentially lead to eating disorders or anorexia. thletes should prepare and perform at what level they believe they can, not at the level certain programs and coaches set for them.

Is this technique of physical and mental alteration effective in the performance of athletes? Is it worth it?

Results from athletes’ performances after working hard to fulfill the duties of their sports level of play have proven that it does pay off. For example, many wrestlers are hard on themselves and strive to achieve a lesser or greater weight to compete in a certain weight division. This type of physical pressure can lead to mental instability and insecurity about an athlete’s health and fitness.