Ever dreamt about being the next Michael Jordan, David Beckham or even Serena Williams? If you have the drive and determination to be a top athlete, you need to understand what it takes.
Knowing exactly what your body needs and how far you can push yourself is fundamental to this.
That is one of the reasons why education in sport science and human movement has grown in popularity.
Becoming a sports coach, nutritionist, sports therapist, or even a fitness centre manager, are emerging as attractive career opportunities.
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hartmann is head of department for Theory and Practice in Sport at the Technical University of Munich, Germany. He tackles issues such as 'diagnostics and training control of human performance', 'exercise physiology' and 'energy supply mechanisms'.
Main objective
For many years, Prof. Hartmann has successfully monitored German national teams, played a key role in at least six Olympic Games, as well as prepared the German rowing team, the present world champions.
On his first trip to Dubai, Prof. Hartmann says his main objective is to observe how sport science is developing in the region. He is also considering a partnership with Welcare Hospital.
"We are looking at establishing a laboratory to observe athletes. That way they will be professionally monitored and the number of injuries will decrease," says Prof. Hartmann.
Every six-to-eight weeks, he examines his patients and prepares them for upcoming games, making sure their level of fitness is maintained.
"Each individual is different. Yes, there are lots of books on healthy living but it is better to get a full analysis to test your personal nutrition," he says.
No real problems
Once this is done, an individual will know what is the best food to eat and in what quantities, as well as the sort of exercise required.
Prof. Hartmann also offers athletes guidance on the climate and air pressure in places they have to visit.
"There are no real problems as such in the changing environment but the muscles need to adapt and athletes should know the right intensity of their workouts."
Because sport science provides an insight into nutrition and diet, in addition to performance analysis in the sporting world, it can be used as a backdrop to everyday life.
"I have noticed a number of health clinics opening across the world. That, in itself, is a big statement that people, not just athletes, want to enjoy a healthier lifestyle," Prof Hartmann says.
Growing concern
However, a few problems remain. The fact that school cafeterias serve plenty of fried food, and fast food chains are everywhere, is a health risk as some children do not exercise enough, Prof. Hartmann believes.
"These children are the future so we must start with basic education for parents and schools to change things around," he says.
Fast food is a growing concern for many nations, the worst being the US, which accounts for almost 30 per cent of the world's obese people.
But, the problem does not just stop in the west. The UAE is seriously affected too. Nearly 80 per cent of children in the country are overweight, according to Dr George John, Specialist Sport Medicine Surgeon at Welcare Hospital, Dubai.
"When you are overweight, your body cannot handle it, your ankles and knees will feel the pressure. It is a very heavy influence on the ligaments," he said.
Dr. John trained teams for the recent Rugby 7s and has headed the department of Sport Science at Welcare Hospital for the past three years. He also performs reconstructive surgery for sports injuries.
"Every Thursday, we offer training for doctors and nurses to teach them the difference between normal injuries and those obtained through sports," says Dr. John.
Both Prof. Hartmann and Dr. John believe the sport science department will make a vital contribution given that awareness of the subject is still limited here.
