We all need to stay active to maintain our health. Sport is a great way to do so, but if you need to boost your energy levels to join in, here are four important tips.

1. Focus on your diet. Many people take the word ‘diet’ to mean starving yourself to attain a desired weight, but crash diets can lead to nutritional deficiencies. A far healthier alternative, and one that is recommended by health professionals, is a balanced low calorie diet. This means reducing the amount of food intake while raising the quality. So avoid refined foodstuffs and ready meals laden with sugar and salt. By eating well you will enjoy good physical condition and generate plenty of energy for sport.

2. Don’t overdo it. You may have promised yourself that you will exercise regularly, but overtraining should be avoided, as it can lead to injury and overexertion. An imbalance between your energy consumption and energy reserve is likely to reduce your sporting performance.

3. Get sufficient rest. Alternate between muscle groups during training sessions and then allow plenty of recovery time. Remember that your muscles need from 2 to 3 days to reach optimum condition again. Making sure you have plenty of sleep is also essential, as this is the time when muscle tissue is repaired and rejuvenated.

4. Stay fully hydrated. It’s crucial to drink water before, during and after exercise to avoid a drop in performance. During exercise water is lost from your body as perspiration, and as water is a vital ingredient in your body’s many chemical reactions, a lack of it can lead to severe fatigue, making recovery difficult.

For a healthy life full of energy, eat healthily, drink regularly, train in moderation and remember to rest.

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