Sports are awesome — they help ConFITdent guys spark their competitive nature, stay in great shape, and gives us a lot to debate. (And they help us impress the ladies.) No matter where I’ve lived or the different nationalities I’ve met, all dudes love a good chat about sports.

Just tell a baseball fan that baseball’s not that athletic, tell a football fan that their game is slow, or tell a hockey fan that fighting is stupid, and you’ll see that sports runs deep. (Hockey fights are the best, by the way.)

Today, we bring in a few fitness experts – who’ve trained a number of athletes – to discuss a few burning questions: which sport is best? Who’s the best athlete? They also drop a few tips on preparation and mentality — from rugby to cricket, all sports fans can benefit from these tips.

Which sport demands the most elite level of fitness?

Marc Perry

My guess would be gymnastics given the amount of strength, flexibility, balance, coordination etc. They probably have the strongest combination of the many different facets of physical fitness.

Rob Sulaver

Easy. Wrestling. Not really a question.

Kyle Clarke

I think every sport at a competitive level takes a great deal of physical fitness. I have played just about every sport there is in my life and each one has its own specific set of muscle groups, or stamina, or strength that it takes to excel.

Sean Hyson

I would say mixed martial arts (MMA). Your conditioning has to be top notch and there’s also a lot of speed, strength, and power involved. On top of that, you have to be very mentally tough and physically durable. Fighting is like running a marathon while lifting weights and getting punched, kicked, and tackled at the same time. I don’t think any other sport or fitness pursuit poses nearly as many demands.

Which sport, in your opinion, requires the least from their players relative to fitness?

Marc Perry

Golf, or maybe baseball. When you see some athletes walking around with big guts drinking and smoking, the sport probably doesn’t require as much brute fitness, but that is not to say the person is not extremely athletic.

Rob Sulaver

Darts. No Limit Hold ‘Em. Professional hot dog eating. All sweet sports though.

Kyle Clarke

I don’t like speaking badly of any sport, but I would have to say Curling. Shuffleboard on ice looks like a whole lot of fun, but I honestly have no idea how it became an Olympic sport. Maybe there is more to it than meets the eye.

Sean Hyson

Haha, golf, I suppose. Although I’d argue that it’s a sport and not just “a game”. (Editor’s Note: How dare you…) It’s extremely technical and I fully believe the pros are great athletes, but there isn’t much strength or conditioning required. Bowling would be up there, too.

Which athlete, in your opinion, is in peak physical condition?

Marc Perry

Lebron James. He’s an amazing physical specimen who was one of the few marquis basketball players this year who was not injured during the shorter more intense season. He’s fast as lightening, extremely strong, he’s just incredible to watch.

Rob Sulaver

Gladiators were probably the best athletes. I mean, they fought tigers and shit.

Kyle Clarke

I’d have to say LeBron James. The way he combines height, strength, size, agility, flexibility, and power is just remarkable.

Sean Hyson

I think Georges St-Pierre and some of the other top UFC fighters are extremely well-rounded athletes. Competitive strongmen, like the kind you see on the World’s Strongest Man show, are phenomenal as well. To the general public, I guess they’re seen as big fat guys, but their cardio is off the charts. Their fitness is as functional as it gets.

Do you think that sports beverages are more effective than water when playing sports?

Marc Perry

Depends on the sport, but some studies have shown eating a banana during cycling for example is better than those gels and sports drinks for improved performance. I like to try to keep things natural. Drink water, maybe have a few pieces of an orange at half time.

Rob Sulaver

Usually – yes. Depends on your goals and sport.

Kyle Clarke

I believe water is most important. You should be hydrating before, during, and afterwards to avoid dehydration and injuries. If I feel the need for some electrolytes, than I sip on a Gatorade while I’m playing. Usually just the 24oz bottle and then I go straight back to water.

Sean Hyson

It depends on the length of the competition and the intensity. For basketball and soccer players, playing in the heat, I think some Gatorade is in order. If it’s a pick-up game with your buddies in an afternoon, water is probably ok. Sports drinks are fine for really intense sports play, but I think they’re overused by regular guys who go to the gym. If you’re working out for an hour like most people do, you don’t need to chug sugary carb drinks throughout the session. Let body fat fuel you.

An athlete should have _________ before the big game to be at their best.

Marc Perry

Confidence. I think it’s by far the most important quality an athlete must have to be mentally prepared to play his, or her best.

Rob Sulaver

Mom’s spaghetti

Kyle Clarke

Mental Clarity. I believe it is harder to discipline the mind than the body. If you have good vision and good focus, it will allow you to perform at the peak of your abilities.

Sean Hyson

Coffee and a well-rounded meal such as chicken breast, sweet potato, and greens with olive oil.