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Choosing to be Healthy Tyler Hansbrough – “Psycho T” Bulks Up the Right Way All too often athletes try to gain a competitive edge by using performance enhancing drugs. Unfortunately many times they are professional and college athletes and role models to young aspiring athletes. There are countless negative consequences to their use of illegal steroids: tainted on field statistics, permanent physical harm, ruined reputation, poor examples for young people, possible end to their careers, the list goes on and on. While these athletes represent the worst in sports, there is rare breed of athlete on the other end of the spectrum – an athlete who inspires folklore with natural talent, determination, and hard work. Such legendary status requires consistent dominance, a fervent fan base, and an unyielding work ethic. One example is former North Carolina Tar Heel basketball player Tyler Hansbrough. A 2008 National Player of the Year and 2009 NCAA Champion, Hansbrough’s famous exercise sessions earned him the nickname “Psycho T.” His summer work-out routine included pushing SUVs around parking lots. Legend has it, he once he jumped in the water to catch a catfish with his shirt when his fishing line appeared to be breaking. Such athletic dominance did not come without hard work. Surprisingly, “Psycho T” started out as a skinny, 160 pound high school sophomore. Hansbrough knew to compete at the college level he would need to gain weight and muscle. He made a choice to work hard and build strength the right way, with healthy foods and exercise. He brought a cooler full of food to school daily, and ate every two hours, up to five or six meals a day. Combining this nutrition plan and regular weight lifting, Hansbrough grew to a 6 foot 9 inch, 250 pound standout basketball player. The fact that some of today’s athletes take steroids, the dangerous and illegal path to a more powerful body, is an unfortunate reality. Unlike so many others, however, Hansbrough chose to bulk up the right way, through exercise and proper diet. We all have choices to make in how we build muscle, slim down, and live healthy lives. Whether we are striving for that extra muscle or deciding what actions and habits to include in our day, it is vital that we choose to be healthy. Discussion Questions: 1. It is important to understand that while Hansbrough ate a lot, he ate healthy foods. What do you think are some nutritious choices he made? What are some healthy foods you can eat to help give you energy for school or sports? 2. What are some examples of unhealthy foods we should all try to avoid, or eat in moderation? 3. What do you think about athletes who cheat using with performance enhancing drugs? What kind of leaders are these athletes? Source: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=149516 |
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