Sports Performance: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Sports Performance?
Your health care provider can help you choose the best type or amount of activity for your fitness level and health. A registered dietitian can help young athletes who are trying to lose weight. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Good nutrition can help enhance athletic performance. Making exercise a habit helps, because your body adapts to the type of activity you do most often. To get stronger and faster, you need to push your body, but you also need to rest.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health. It can improve your overall health and fitness and lower your risk for many chronic (long-term) diseases. Water is the most important yet overlooked nutrient for athletes. Iron deficiency can impair your muscle function and lower your performance.
How to prepare
These steps can help you get ready.
- Check with your health care provider before you start if you worry that exercise might not be safe for you.
- Avoid exercising on an empty stomach.
What happens during it
A good routine can include several main types of exercise.
- Aerobic exercises such as walking, running, or swimming are sometimes called cardio.
- Strength, or resistance training, exercises use weights, resistance bands, or your own body weight to build stronger muscles.
- Balance exercises, such as tai chi or standing on one leg, improve your stability and coordination.
- Flexibility exercises, such as stretching or yoga, help your joints move more easily and improve your posture.
Most people benefit from a combination of these types of exercises. For workouts lasting less than 60 minutes, water is most often all that is needed.
Recovery
Rest is an important part of training because it allows your body to recover for your next workout. Aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night.
These are signs that you may be exercising too much.
- Being unable to perform at the same level.
- Feeling tired.
If you have been exercising a lot and have any of these symptoms, cut back on exercise or rest completely for 1 or 2 weeks. If you are still tired after 1 or 2 weeks of rest, see your health care provider.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting, coughing up or vomiting blood, or bleeding that will not stop.
Risks and side effects
Pushing too hard for too long can backfire. When you do not get enough rest, it can lead to poor performance and health problems. Eating more protein than your body needs does not improve performance or your health. While many people use protein supplements, whole-food protein sources are a healthier option. Changing your body weight to improve performance must be done safely, or it may do more harm than good.
Who performs it
Gyms and health clubs offer equipment, classes, and sometimes personal trainers for guidance and support. Young athletes who are trying to lose weight should work with a registered dietitian.
Common questions
Should I eat before I train?
Yes, you should avoid exercising on an empty stomach to help you perform better. It's helpful to eat carbohydrates before you exercise if you will be exercising for more than 1 hour.
Can I train too much?
Yes, you can get too much exercise. When you do not get enough rest, it can lead to poor performance and health problems. Cutting back or resting completely for 1 or 2 weeks is often all it takes to recover.
Which kind of exercise is best?
Most people benefit from a combination of different types of exercise. Your provider can help you choose the best type or amount of activity for you based on your fitness level and health. Mix up your workouts to keep things interesting and help prevent injuries or burnout.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Exercise and Physical Fitness
- MedlinePlus - Nutrition and athletic performance
- MedlinePlus - Are you getting too much exercise?
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
