Get Your Mind in the Game: The Science of Your Brain
Understand how physical exercise contributes to your psychological well-being and improves competitive results. Learn how your thoughts affect your athletic performance during this presentation by one of the world’s leading sport psychologists. Dr. Gloria Balague is an internationally-known speaker, consultant to USA Track and Field and USA Gymnastics, and a clinical assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Don’t Sweat It: Find the Strength in Your Sport Drink
Learn about the science behind the Gatorade formula. Watch a simulated sweat test to determine just how much fluid and sodium can be lost during exercise. See scientists take samples of sweat from athletes (yuck!) while they run on a treadmill to develop a proper individualized hydration plan for athletes.
Tennis Anyone? Biometrics of the USA Olympic Swim Team
Grab a tennis racquet and play on a mini tennis court in this exhibit designed by Midtown Tennis Club and Wilson Sporting Goods. See how science affects the evolution of tennis equipment and how scientific principles improve player safety and performance. Visit a display demonstrating each step of the evolution – from wooden racquets a la Borg and McEnroe to the technologically advanced equipment of today.
5-4-3-2-1-Go! ™ Be Healthy with the Go Team!
Participate in fun interactive games and activities to promote a scientific understanding of the importance of physical fitness and nutrition habits for children and teenagers. Designed by researchers and public health activists, 5-4-3-2-1 Go! is a recommendation of daily behaviors that promote a healthier lifestyle. Learn more from the Go Team, presented by the Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children (CLOCC).
Be Nice to Your Knees: You Need Them!
As the number of children participating in competitive sports increases, so do sport-related injuries. Training to Reduce Injuries in Active Kids (TRAK) and the Knee Injury Prevention Program (KIPP) want to change that. The Institute for Sports Medicine at Children’s Memorial Hospital has designed these two neuromuscular programs based on the scientific principles behind warm-up and cool-down exercises that improve muscle control and reduce the risk of knee injuries. Build fitness and enhance your athletic performance.
Hydration and Nutrition: Sports Medicine (10 am – Noon)
Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or an elite athlete, your body needs the right nutrients and hydration to perform at its best. These performance education sessions, presented by the Action for Young Athletes in Chicago (AFYAC), demonstrate the science behind eating the right foods and supplying your body with the necessary fluids. Every aspiring athlete can succeed by learning and keeping these principles in mind.
Eat Better, Move More (Noon – 3pm)
Jump start your active and healthy lifestyle! The Mayor’s Fitness Council promotes, encourages, and motivates the development of a physically active and healthy lifestyle for Chicagoans of all ages. Understand how every activity you do counts - biking, walking, and climbing the stairs- just to name a few. Learn more about diet, nutrition, and exercise to improve your physical fitness.
Take a Stand for the Science of your Body and Clean Sport
Learn to compete for the love of the game in a healthy and drug-free environment. The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) provides learning tools to help you achieve individual athletic success by relying on your own body and making ethical and healthy decisions. Take the “My Victory” pledge which affirms your belief in clean sports that are free of cheating and illegal performance-enhancing substances. Meet Nathalie Bartleson – Olympian in Synchronized Swimming throughout the day.
