Not an Olympic athlete or even an amateur? Maybe you’re just trying to get moving? No matter what your athletic profile, the training regimen used by professional and amateur athletes has some important lessons for everybody.
Here’s an approach many Olympic athletes use that can help anyone – no matter their activity profile – achieve their fitness goals:
- Olympians track measurable success by gains in speed/agility/force/distance. . . not just their body weight. So, while knowing your weight is important, there are other critical markers to fitness goal success.
- Motivation rate is higher when you have an end goal in mind. If it’s running a marathon, half-marathon, or simply losing 10 pounds, a goal helps you keep focused and engaged.
- Olympic athletes tend to have more support, i.e. trainers, coaches, and other athletes – find an exercise buddy, join an online support group, or make exercise a family affair to get a similar result.
- Competition is a driving force – make it fun by challenging yourself, friends and family to participate in a local 5K – many raise funds for worthy organizations so you’ll help others while you stay fit.
- There’s a reward system for the end result. Go ahead – pick out a treat and reward yourself when you reach a significant milestone in your training regimen.
