Did you watch the Olympic games this year? There is a lot to learn from the athletes – before excluding the competition. You don’t have to be a participant in the Olympiad, but these lessons are for your own life.

Here are the big points we learned from this year’s Olympic athletes.

Olympic Lesson 1: Be Active Every Day 

Olympic athletes follow a strict training schedule, doing many exercises several times a day. Consistency and time spent on training really pay off in competition. In fact, Ted Ligety, who won a gold medal in giant slalom this year, trains for 5-6 hours a day. And that’s just in the off-season! 

Can you implement a similar program on a smaller scale? You definitely don’t need to train for more than 6 hours a day, but can you come up with a workout schedule that includes some challenges? Make a real commitment to exercising regularly!

Olympic Lesson 2: Make a Backup Plan

Stories of injury and tragedy at the Olympic Games are sure to inspire you, so be sure to take these lessons seriously. Follow the lead of these incredible athletes, no matter what area you are interested in. If you had a bad day, missed exercise, or failed to stick to your program, acknowledge the frustration and then find a way to come back and keep going.

Did Stefan Grothweis give up because he injured his Achilles tendon and was fighting depression? No, he even won the gold medal in speed skating (1000 meters) at Sochi 2014!

Let these athletes inspire you. If something goes wrong with your training plans, don’t let it hold you back for too long. Fight adversity and keep doing your best.

Olympic Lesson 3: The Right Fuel

You won’t find Olympic athletes eating a consistent diet of foods full of sodium, saturated fats, added sugars, etc. All the hard work they do requires just the right fuel, which in turn means that most athletes eat healthy food all day, every day. Their plans certainly don’t include skipping meals regularly or avoiding the nutrients they need.

The U.S. Olympic Committee has put together a team of professional nutritionists, who then provide informational materials to Olympic athletes, coaches, and parents. The information focuses on eating guidelines and a sports diet.

Follow in the footsteps of these amazing athletes and find the right fuel for your life. Look for options that are rich in nutrients and free of empty calories. Talk with a dietitian about finding a nutritional plan that works for you.

Olympic Lesson 4: Sleep

Do you think athletes who train and compete in the Olympics let themselves sleep a little? of course not. According to a Forbes article, if you want to train like an Olympian, get ready to sleep at the same time with the kids. Athletes aiming for games need to sleep anywhere from eight to 10 hours per night. Rest is crucial because it gives the body a chance to rebuild the tissues and muscles that were used up during training.

Olympic Lesson 5: Go for the Gold!

Even if a gold medal isn’t in your future, look for the award that motivates you. Set a goal for yourself and work hard to reach it. Make reminders of your goal, to motivate you for the times when you need to do what it takes to keep your goals in mind.

Remember that the ultimate prize for a healthy lifestyle isn’t a gold medal or a pile of cash, it’s something greater. It’s healthy!

Check With Your Doctor First!

Before following any given lifestyle tips, make sure you talk to a doctor in order to avoid harmful gestures when it comes to your diet & nutrition, physical and medical conditions.

Book an appointment with a General Practitioner instantly