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NEDA TOOLKIT for Coaches and Trainers Encouraging healthy and appropriate exercise and training for athletes Successful athletes are motivated by a desire to excel. Proper coaching can build on this motivation by helping young people develop good training habits, hone technical skills and work as part of a team. However, because top athletes are often driven perfectionists, it is not uncommon for them to take practices and workouts to unhealthy extremes. Such behavior can mark the first steps on the road to an eating disorder. If the athlete resets weight goals to a lower weight or if their weight drops to a level lower than is necessary for adequate sports performance, be vigilant; those can be signs of trouble. Other signs and symptoms that bear watching: • • • • • Training more than coach recommends Overuse injuries Muscle weakness Exercising seemingly without enjoyment Training in dangerous situations, such as running alone at night or when injured or sick • High level of anxiety when unable to practice or train • Frequent weighing • Negative comments about weight or being “fat” The following are tips on how to promote healthy and appropriate practices and workouts among your athletes. • Tell your athletes that good sport performance is like most human behaviors in that it is determined by numerous factors. Good health is probably the most important factor other than genetics, and the most important contributor to good health (other than genetics) is good nutrition. • Remind athletes that sports should be for fun, fitness and healthy competition. Additional reasons to participate or compete include improved health and learning to be a team player. • Promote realistic goals to avoid physical and mental burnout. Motivate your athletes to make the most of their ability and their sport experience by encouraging good nutrition and healthy training. • Encourage athletes to view sports as a lifetime pursuit, which means caring for their bodies over a lifetime. Remind them that they only have one body, so it behooves them to take good care of it. • Healthy and appropriate exercise should improve your athlete’s alertness and ability to relax, not exhaust them. • Encourage flexibility in scheduling workouts and training sessions. Athletes need to stick to a regular practice schedule but sometimes unforeseen events occur, and missing a practice or two is inevitable. Encourage your athletes to strive for balance between exercise and other activities, and also between exercise and eating. • Encourage athletes to learn how to do their chosen activity properly, and to rely on you, their coach, trainer or other trusted sources for information. Page  | 24