The sport of two-man beach volleyball combines the necessity for aerobic and anaerobic fitness. A player can play up to five matches in a double elimination format in which the matches can last anywhere from 45 minutes to over two hours. The average time between each play is only 10-15 seconds. The temperature on the court can exceed 100 degrees. Clearly, it is of critical importance that proper hydration and nutrition be applied before, during, and after competition.

Throughout my seven years with the AVP (the last six of which were with Dr. Doug Andersen), we have been given many sample sports drinks, energy bars, herbal formulas, and vitamin preparations which, in turn, we distribute to the players. However, each year a few athletes would request alternatives to commercial preparations. Through my own research and self-experimentation in tournament play and endurance training evolved a fresh, live, pure alternative energy drink.

The formula for the “Super Juice” is surprisingly simple. It consists of 2/3 fresh carrot juice combined with equal parts of fresh pressed celery, beet, bell pepper, and apple juices. We instruct the athletes to consume 8-10 ounces fresh spring water while our staff presses the whole fruit and vegetable mix on a per serving basis. Our serving size is 6-8 ounces of “Super Juice” between matches. This “water then juice” combination is our fluid-electrolyte replacement application. At the day’s end, on the way to the hotel or airport, we would give the players 16-20 ounces of the juice without water for carbohydrate replenishment purposes.

Analysis of our Super Juice reveals that it contains high amounts of the antioxidents beta carotine and vitamin C. It also contains the important minerals calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and chloride with trace amounts of zinc, copper, iron, and manganese. Finally, the blend includes small amounts of the entire B-complex.

The athletes who drink Super Juice have experienced no gastric problems; the positive response from the athletes has far exceeded our expectations.

Tim Brown, D.C.
Newport Beach, California