Carbohydrates are one of the most important sources of energy for any athlete; they are the source of power for muscles and an important source of fuel for muscle contractions. If a carbohydrate is not used as energy in the body right away, it is stored as glycogen, which can be used as a source of energy later. Any of the glycogen left in the body that is not used, is converted to and stored as fat in the body.

When an athlete plays a sport or performs a task, it is glycogen that the body uses because glycogen is easily accessible in the body. Short exercises such as weight lifting and sprinting use up stores of glycogen, and more drawn out exercises such as long distance running rely on stores of glycogen as well.

The most important reason for an athlete or a sports player to consume carbohydrates when exercising is to prevent the body from using protein-the building block for muscle-as a source of energy. If the body is forced to rely on protein for energy, this can cause stress on organs and harm the wellness of the athlete.

Carbohydrates, stored as glycogen, can supply the body with energy for thirty to ninety minutes or more, depending on the exercise. But the best way to make sure that the body has plenty of energy and will avoid using protein as an energy supply is to supply the body with carbohydrates before playing a sport or exercising is to consume carbohydrates before, during, and after a sport. It is also important to understand that some carbohydrates are simple and some are complex. Simple carbohydrates, such as fruit or energy drinks, can be converted into energy very quickly. Complex carbohydrates, such as pasta, take longer for the body to absorb.

Alexander Sutton is the owner of a nutrition and fitness retail storefront in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has been a nutritional professional for more than 8 years. For additional information, please visit sports nutrition

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