Behind the medal ceremonies and the dramatic media coverage, lies the true heart of the Olympic games: top level, athletic performance. When you really step back and look at it all, Olympians are pretty incredible people. They've dedicated their lives to elevating their performance to the highest possible peak. They've set and reached personal goals all in an effort to excel in their chosen field. It's incredible, really.
You may be wondering what you can do to elevate your own performance levels. In all likelihood you won't be able to train exactly like an Olympian, they are the best in the world after all, but you can make a few tweaks to get the most out of any training you do.
Here are
6 expert tips that can help you train more like an Olympian:
1. Eat right and hydrate.
This part is absolutely essential. In order to keep your energy levels high for intense workouts, eat a breakfast made up of protein and complex carbohydrates. After that, it is important to eat several times through out the day and within 90 minutes of your workout. For some ideas on what this might look like for you, check out the
BodyRock Meal Plan! When it comes to hydration, if you are training at high levels, you need to consume at least half of your body weight in fluid ounces of water over the course of the day.
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2. Make sleep a priority.
Olympic athletes require 8-10 hours of sleep every night. In order to get the best quality sleep, try to go to bed before 11pm and turn off your television and electronic devices at least 30 minutes before you go to bed. It's also important to make your room as dark as possible. That means no digital alarm clocks, no cell phones, and potentially black out curtains.
3. Warm up and cool down.
Jog lightly or jump rope for 10 minutes. When done that, spend the next 10 -15 minutes engaging in dynamic stretches. Try skipping or reverse lunges. These movements help you warm up the muscle by engaging it in motions similar to the work they will be doing. When you are done your workout, make sure to engage in stretching and flexibility exercises, foam rolling, or massage to ensure your body stays loose and you reduce potential aches and pains.
4. Use a variety of dynamic exercises.
Don't just limit yourself to fixed workout equipment. Mix things up by using balance trainers (
Get one here) or incorporating diagonal and rotational movements. Add resistance to these movements by including free weights (
get a set here). Get your body moving on every axis. For over 80 hours of on demand workouts that fit this bill exactly, sign up for SweatFlix℠. From beginner to advanced, SweatFlix℠ has you covered. And with new workouts being added all the time, you'll always be able to find something to challenge you!
Start your free trial today!
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5. Train early in the day.
Olympic athletes are known for their early starts. You likely have fewer potential conflicts in the mornings and a solid workout will elevate your mood and energy levels all day long!
6. Train in a group.
Top tier athletes often train with one another. They are accountable to each other and push each other to be better. Sign up for a fitness class or train with your friends or spouse. If you don't have someone to train with, train with us! The videos in SweatFlix℠ are real time which means our trainers are essentially working with you, one on one, in your own living room! There are a thousands of other BodyRockers out there, just like you, so any time of day, hop on
social media and you will have access to a supportive, like-minded community. Does it get any better?
Will you incorporate any of these tips into your routine?
