Physiological Aids

Natural substances like herbal tea and things like acupuncture are physiological ergogenic aids and can be used to aid performance. Most of these aids are safe and effective.

Physiological aids are widely available and can be a good alternative to drug supplementation.

Before you try any physiological aid, it is important to do sufficient research to find out the effectiveness of the products and any possible side effects. Some of these methods are illegal. Here is a look at some physiological methods:

• Legal
  • Oxygen - is essential for the production of energy by aerobic processes. The greater the body's capacity to supply oxygen to the muscles during exercise, the greater the ability to maintain aerobic activity without fatigue. If a person can improve their capacity to utilize oxygen they are likely to improve their performance in endurance events.
    
    
  • Sports Massage - Massage is the most effective therapy for releasing muscle tension and restoring balance to the musculoskeletal system. Received regularly this may help athletes prevent injuries, which might otherwise be caused by overuse.
• Illegal
  • Blood Doping - involves putting extra blood into the body which increases the level of hemoglobin thereby providing an increased oxygen carrying capacity for delivery to the working muscles.
    
    
  • EPO - EPO (erythropoietin) stimulates red blood cell production. It causes an increase in the total number of circulating red bloods cells.

If you want to improve your sports performance, use products that have been proven safe. They are legal, healthy, and they work. To gain a more competitive edge, nothing works better than proper training, correct technique, and good coaching.