To keep the crowd's energy up, you need to keepyourenergy up.
We know it's not easy to maintain your A-game after a long day at school -- you may be thinking about your homework that's due the next day -- but we're here to help.
Here are ninetips to helpincrease your game day stamina and keep that school spirit spark.
1.Don't forget to sleep
Get some good rest the night before a game. Six to eight hours of sleep will prepare your body for the work it needs to do the next day.
2.Start with a good breakfast and lunch
Fueling the body well first thing in the morning jump-starts your metabolism, and a good lunch full of fruits and veggies will keep you going. Avoid too much sugar and junk food. Eat some protein and complex carbohydrates one to fourhours before the game. The protein will keep you satisfied and the complex carbohydrates will give you sustained energy.
In need of a go-to game day breakfast?Build The Breakfast Of A Champion!
3.H20 is your friend, sodrink lots of it
Focus on hydration the day before and the day ofthe game. Bring a water bottle with ice cold water. When you feel sluggish or tired, take a few gulps so you canback out there and shine!
4.Sports drinks to the rescue
Game days can get hot, and sometimes you need a little bit of extra energy. Electrolytes replace essential nutrients lost through sweat, and sports drinks such as Gatorade are designed to keep you hydrated and in tip-top condition when it's showtime.
5.Beware of energy drinks
Caffeinated drinks dehydrate the body, and some energy drinks can increase your heart rate to dangerous levels. This may seem like a quick fix -- but you shouldavoid energy drinks. Grab a Gatorade or water instead. At the end of the game you'll feel much better, and your body with thank you later.
6. Keep snacks on deck
It's no news to you that game days are long, which meansthat it's difficult to find time to head to the snack bar. Always be prepared with granola bars, nuts, fruit, and other small, portable snacks in your bag.
7.Halftime = break time
You may think you're a super hero, but everyone needs to take a break. During halftime, take a minuteto eat a snackand drinksome water. Listen to your body. You'll need a little kick to help you through the second half.
8.Practice makes perfect
During the week, make practice feel like the real deal --so you'll be physically ready for game day. No athlete can expect to perform optimally without training intensely for the main event.
9.Stay engaged in the game
If you're engaged, you won't get bored and the crowd will follow your energy. Stay in tune with what's going on and feed off the energy of the fans. If you feel the fans start to lose their spirit -- grab signs, move around, or go up in the stands. This will be fun and re-engage both of you!
The University of Tennessee cheerleaders have game day down to a science. Check out how they handle game-day prep and the sidelines during one of their biggest games of the season!
By Anda Udris
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