Final answer:
Athletes train for improved performance by engaging in aerobic, anaerobic, and flexibility exercises, while also focusing on specific nutritional needs. They may incorporate supplements or hormones to enhance performance, but these substances often have legal and ethical implications. Diet, exercise type, and intensity are tailored based on the athlete's sport and individual physical requirements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Athletes train for improved performance by incorporating various types of physical exercises and paying careful attention to nutrition. Aerobic exercises such as cycling, walking, and running are crucial for increasing muscular endurance and promoting cardiovascular health. Anaerobic exercises, including weight training or sprinting, are integral for boosting muscle strength. Additionally, flexibility exercises like stretching are essential for improving the range of motion of muscles and joints, which helps to prevent injuries related to physical activities.
Nutrition also plays a vital role in an athlete's training regimen. Having a diet that's well-balanced and tailored to the athlete’s specific energy requirements is key. For athletes who need to increase their muscle mass and body weight, such as in football or weight lifting, their energy intake typically includes a greater amount of protein. However, it is crucial to remember that there isn't a one-size-fits-all 'optimal' body composition for athletes since each sport may require different physical attributes.
While some athletes turn to artificial hormones like anabolic steroids, erythropoietin (EPO), or human growth hormone (hGH) to enhance performance, these substances are often illegal and banned by sporting authorities due to the health risks and unfair advantages they present.