People are always looking for a magic formula or hidden secret to becoming more fit, excelling in a sport or breaking their own personal best. Luckily, there are researchers, coaches, athletes and others who do nothing all day except try to find out how to enhance human performance to a level that has never been matched.
The Olympics is a great demonstration of this ongoing experiment. You may not be a fan of the badminton or table tennis, but you cannot deny the fact that every one of these athletes are better prepared--physically AND mentally--than anyone else in the world. Even things like table tennis count: everyone can play it, but not everyone can play it at that level.
No matter what the endeavor, if you want to be successful, model those that are considered the best. Some of them are gifted athletes that have genetics and technique that none of us could ever match. What we can take away from them is their work ethic, focus and the advice that they get from their coaches.
Read this article about how to perform more like an Olympic athlete. Some of the common themes I noticed from all of the recommendations:
- There is no need for fancy machines or exercises. A few cones, a jump rope or your own body weight will do.
- Changing it up is critical to long term success. You get stuck in a rut by refusing to vary your routine. Variables to change include time, speed, weight, volume, order, etc.
- Balance and form are essential to maximizing output and efficiency.
- Core muscle strength makes all the other muscles capable of performing better.
- Add power and reach to every stroke/stride instead of a greater volume of inefficient ones to make up for it.
- Proper stretching and preparation reduce injuries, decrease recovery times and improve performance.
It may not get you a free trip to London courtesy of the USOC, but might help you achieve a new personal record that you can try to break next month.
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