Better for energy during a match...
 

A banana or an energy gel of some sort?

I've always taken a banana, but I was just reading an old "Tennis" mag' where Murray famously proclaimed a banana to be a "pathetic" fruit, and that it did nothing for energy because it takes longer to digest the fructose into the bloodstream.

Thoughts?

Also, can energy gels be gotten in a place like a Rite Aid or a Walgreens, if they have a GNC section?

I don't have an answer for you, but there is a lot of info. on this in the "fitness" section.

Good, I'll look. If this is a bit of a prodding that it's not the right forum, I apologize, I didn't think it was clear cut whether the fitness forum or the equipment forum was more appropriate. I chose this because energy gel has really nothing to do with fitness, just because it's ingestible, but could more be considered a "tool" to be used during a match....."equipment."

And thanks for the heads up.

I've never been a fan of Murray, but I fully agree with him on this one.
Bananas are obsolete.
Yes, they are high in carbs and potassium, but they are relatively slow to digest and there are better alternatives these days.

I drink Gatorade regularly during a match. I also bring a protein bar with me, and if I feel I need some extra energy, I would take a bite of that at every changeover.
I am not familiar with the energy gels that I've seen mentioned around these forums, as they are not readily available here in Canada (at least I've never seen them in any stores). But I would imagine they contain the same stuff as the protein/energy bars, just in an even easier to digest form.

Fruits in general digest more slowly. During a match you could use quick calories. Bananas have potassium but not much compared to your daily requirement. Most important the body loses sodium in sweat at a much higher rate than potassium. Sodium levels also have to be maintained in the blood. You need quick calories and particularly sodium if you are sweating. So bananas are not optimal. I believe that Murray was also quoted as saying something to the effect that 'a pretzel is better.....'............. That might be true but sometimes when I bite a hard pretzel it feels as if some of the flour powders up and might cause a cough. They might be too dry for a tennis match.

If you have a link to the Murray interview or other source for the quotes please post.

There have been some recent threads on nutrition in the Health & Fitness Forum.

A good reference - Advanced Sports Nutrition. It has discussions of electrolyte needs during exercise.

Eat your banana, just not DURING the match, just about 15 mins BEFORE the match.

I'm a runner, so I've been doign the banana thing for years.

Honey Stinger Waffles. Seriously.

I've just started playing tennis, so still learning the game. I come from the MMA world and used Jack3d to sustain high levels of endurance. Not sure if that's applicable to the level of tennis you play but for the high level of intensity training I do, it's very helpful. Take it 30 mins before a game. Also BCAA's before and after.

Greek yogurt protien shake with a banana 30mins or so before my match has me nice and full and ready to go.

Jack3d and all those Supplements containing DMAA are very bad for your health.

Take bananas and other slow releasing carbs before you play. How long before will depend on you, I personally don't like to eat just before going to the gym or tennis but other people can eat 10 mins before and not feel ill. During the match if you need energy then consume something like glucose which will go straight into your system and to your muscles. I wouldn't recommend a protein bar during a match but it's not a bad idea after. Also remember good hydration is essential if you want to have peak performance

Jack Daniels

Roughly equivalent.

With diabetics, they warn against orange juice as it spikes the blood sugar very fast and very high. That should give you a boost in a hurry.

This. Or cocaine. Either one will treat you right.

I have become a massive fan of cocaine when my consultant suggested I give up bananas due to gout. In my opinion it works nearly as well. However, I'd take it during and after rather than before and during.

The secret to cocaine during, it to replace your rosin bag with it.

To opponent: "I just like the smell of rosin bags"

+1. Bananas right before a running really gives you energy, as well as those carbs that come in sachets.

Check out Hammer Nutrition products, I like the Fizz tablets in a water bottle, no corn syrup crap like most energy drinks...The Hammer gels are the best! There are also other Hammer products for the type of workout you are doing (HEED), longer days, weight room days, etc. Also they offer recovery drinks.

I'm not affiliated with Hammer at all, been using these types of products for the last 30yrs or so, Hammer are some of the best I've tried...

http://www.hammernutrition.com/produ...-energy-drinks