Game days in Atlanta are busy.

Early kickoffs. Long tournament weekends. Georgia heat that drains you before warmups even start.

With all of that going on, nutrition can become an afterthought.

But what a player eats before a match directly affects energy, focus, and performance. We’ve seen it time and time again — the first half tells the story.

Here are five of the biggest pregame food mistakes youth soccer players make — and what to do instead.

Is your child sore or actually injured? In youth soccer, soreness is common during long seasons filled with practices and tournaments — but not all pain is the same. This article helps parents and players understand the key differences between normal soreness and injury, including warning signs like persistent hamstring pain, pain with sprinting or kicking, and when discomfort may lead to extended time away from play. Learn how to recognize patterns early so young athletes can stay healthy, confident, and on the field long-term.

Is the weighted vest trend actually safe for your spine? From boosting bone density to the risks of 'Text Neck' and disc compression, learn why a chiropractic alignment check is the essential first step before you 'vest up' for health. Discover the Smart Body way to load your frame without breaking your back.

As we ramp up for the season, the risk of injury is at its highest. The body is transitioning from "off-season mode" to "high-performance mode." The best defense against a season-ending injury isn't a single long workout; it is the consistent, daily habits established right now.

Did you know overuse injuries account for more than half (54%) of youth sports injuries? Common issues include hamstring and quad strains, as well as calf injuries. And in the past 15 years, ACL injuries in high school athletes have jumped by 24%. That’s a big deal, especially considering our kids are still growing—meaning their bones haven’t fully developed and are more vulnerable to stress.

Sciatica and what to do about it.

In 2016, I had the honor of serving Team USA at the Rio Olympic Games. It was a period of long hours, excitement, and hard work, making it truly an experience of a lifetime.

Michael Parkhurst, former captain of Atlanta United, MLS Champion, and US Men's National Team player, has had an illustrious 15-year professional soccer career. With 10 years in MLS and 5 in Europe, his accolades include being named MLS Rookie of the Year, MLS Defender of the Year, and earning a spot on the MLS Best XI. Parkhurst is a six-time MLS All-Star, led Atlanta United to an MLS Cup Championship in 2018, and received the MLS Humanitarian of the Year and MLS Fair Play Award.

Intermittent Fasting (IF) involves abstaining from food for a set period, which can vary widely. Some people fast for 12, 24, or even 96 hours. I recently watched "Limitless" on Disney+ with Chris Hemsworth, where he fasted for four days straight—a mighty feat even for Thor.

Here are some common approaches to IF:

- Alternate Day Fasting: Individuals eat every other day or have one small meal and eat normally on the other days.

- 5:2 Fasting: Individuals eat normally for five days and then fast completely for two days.

I remember opening my doors in January 2008. My office was tiny, just 80 square feet, in an old house with creaky floors. I had a new Ikea desk, a computer, a chiropractic table, a $20 Target lamp, and a clock from the same store. I showed up bright and early at 8 a.m…..

I wanted to share why I decided to write this blog. By training, I am a chiropractor specializing in sports. I graduated 17 years ago and have taken numerous continuing education courses.

Overtraining can really wreck your week. These are 11 signs you could be burning the candle at both ends.

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy has helped with tendonitis, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis

Back pain can be …..well….a pain. It comes at the worst times and the solution can be confusing to many. Learn one of the main causes of low back pain as we unravel the mystery behind disc pain.

Worth the Suffer?

Inside the Mind of Soccer Star, Greg Garza professional soccer player beyond goals mentoring founder

When Your Back Suddenly Hates You

Ironman Secrets Unveiled. Atlanta Triathlon Club’s Tim Myers unveils the secrets to crushing an Ironman Triathlon. With his years of experience training and coaching numerous triathletes, he gives you tips to help you sharpen your toolset so that you can perform at your peak!