The Olympics is regarded as the most elite sporting competition in the world. A chosen few who excel with both the right mindset and peak physical form compete against the best in the world. With combined physical and mental training, Olympic athletes are known to be the finest specimens of athletic performance in the world. A winning attitude and a winning body make for a winning team.
Successful athletes truly believe they can win because world class athletes are determined to win. It is also their dedication to their sport and in the manner that they train. They do not give up and often map out their training schedule over a period of several years, not week by week. They have to be mentally tough as they are separated from their families for long periods of time. They must often compete against their close friends they have trained with for years in order to make it to the top.
Thinking like an Olympic athlete can help you get the most out of every workout. If you find yourself losing momentum or motivation, remind yourself how much discipline it takes for an athlete to make it to the Olympics. Just a fraction of that discipline will keep you going every day. Here are some suggestions both professional athletes, weekend warriors and those just getting back into the gym may use to achieve fitness goals:
· Be specific in your training – A professional runner must possess incredible endurance and strength in order to complete a marathon. Training involves specific activities such as distance, speed and strength training. Make sure your training complements your specific performance goal. If you’re goal is to run faster you should practice all disciplines on how to increase your running speed. Simple!
· Perfect you form – In whatever activity you engage in make sure your form is perfect. If you’re running, stand tall, keep equal balance in your lower limbs and relax your upper body. If you’re lifting weights, perform slowly against gravity to reduce momentum and control the movement of your weights so the proximal and distal joints of the muscle you are training remain still. Having perfect form requires you to focus on what your body is doing, rather than trying to distract yourself from the pain. If you are in pain then simply lower your weight as it is correct form, versus weight, that will properly condition your body.
· Resting is part of training – Professional athletes have learned how to master the proper time line between peak performance and recovery time. Resting is crucial because it gives the body the time necessary to rebuild broken down tissue the occurs during training. Overtraining can mean the difference between winning and losing for an Olympic athlete. Adequate rest and sleep (8-10 hours a day) are essential to our bodies as is balanced nutrition, proper hydration and physical conditioning.
Posted on the door when entering the Olympic training center in Chula Vista, California are the words “Amazing Awaits.†Amazing is available to anyone who chooses to be…
Written by Dr. Mindy Mar
