Adelaide Reds revived with Aussie Bodies

BY JULIE SEAMER

Team members from the Adelaide United Football Club are being revived with several key Aussie Bodies products, as pre-season kicks in for them now. With the best winning record of all clubs in the Hyundai A-League (formerly the National Soccer League or NSL) the Reds are preparing for another successful year, after being Grand Finalists in 2006-07.

Anthony Meade, the Club's resident Sports Dietitian reports on the nutritional strategy in place for team members this season, utilising Aussie Bodies products for maximum results. As athletes, the Reds need a balanced diet with a good mix of protein and carbohydrates.

He says "Unlike some other football codes, we have different yet still very specific physique requirements. The guys don't need to be overly bulked up, but speed and agility with an element of strength is very important. Our nutrition focus is on recovery from training induced fatigue, muscle soreness and injury to allow them to train, adapt and play again week to week".

There is little point applying a supplement regimen, if the formula can't be tolerated. Anthony has found that supplement products must taste good, for players to be compliant. The Reds have particularly enjoyed consuming Protein FX bars and Protein Revival drinks as a snack during weight sessions, after games and while on the road travelling. They are made available on ice so players can freely help themselves to a tasty but conveniently healthy form of replenishment. Anthony adds "In relation to the bars and drinks their handy size makes them a real winner. The players love them!".

Each player has individual dietary and training needs, and this is where Anthony advises not only on healthy eating but on individually appropriate supplementation. Protein powders for those requiring greater muscle mass and/or weight reduction are often part of the advice. Perfect Protein and Mega Weight Gainer are two such products offered. Another very useful supplement some players have relied on for extra care in relation to joint injury (especially ankles and knees) is Perfect Protein with Glucosamine. Offering a blend of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulphate, with Calcium-rich Whey Protein Concentrate, Grape Seed Extract and Vitamin C, the production of collagen is supported for healthy connective tissue. "The players really enjoy it", Anthony says. "It's the best tasting formula we've tried with fast-acting results".

As the season kick-off draws nearer, stay posted for updates on player training profiles, and insight into how these professional athletes achieve their energy expenditure and body recovery needs, for what's set to be a bumper season.