Alimentation and nutrition applied to the new fitness disciplines in Italian gym

Abstract

Background: The energy balance between inputs and outputs is essential to avoid a reduction in performance, recovery difficulties, hormonal problems, an increased risk of fatigue, injuries and illnesses. Aim: The purpose of the study is to evaluate whether the energy intake assumed by non-professional sportsmen of the new fitness disciplines on the basis of the guidelines present in the literature, meets the needs required by their sporting activity. Methods: The sample consist of 20 non-competitive adult sportsmen (n.10 females; n.10 males) that were voluntarily enrolled in a gym, belonging to the various fitness disciplines: bodybuilders ( n  =  2); calisthenics ( n  =  3); crossfitters ( n  =  15). The subjects underwent an anamnestic-nutritional interview and used a photographic atlas to estimate the energy intake in the training day (in terms of macronutrients, micronutrients and H2O). Results: The results of the study reported: a lower energy intake, the breakdown of macronutrients was suitable for the nutritional indications reported by bibliographic sources, with the exception for protein intake that was higher than the other macronutrients; a lower intake of fibers, mono/polyunsaturated fatty acids; an higher intake of simple sugars, proteins and H2O, and by a normal parameters of carbohydrates, fats and saturated fatty acids. Conclusions: Generally the study has shown that the sample energy intake is extremely low in the training day. Therefore, it is useful to educate sportsmen, coaches and families in order to avoid deficiencies/excess of calories and nutrients which may not be functional for the sporting activity performed.