How to train like an Olympian athlete

As the Paris Olympics come to an end, we remember the moments of providing provided by the incredible feats of strength, speed, and skill of these athletes and hope this last weekend brings us all the thrill and emotion this event is known for.

Watching these achievements comfortably seated on our couches, we can’t help but think how extraordinary these athletes are. From there, we probably wonder what their routines are. Simon Biles, for instance, revealed that she trains seven hours a day, having only Sundays off.

Bill Murray once famously tweeted that “every Olympic event should include one average person competing for reference.” Inspired by this idea, we’ll explore how you can train like an Olympian athlete. Don’t worry, the plan isn’t to make you work out as much as Simone Biles — we want to help you bring some gold medal magic into your workouts.

How to train like an Olympian athlete

1 – Set clear goals and have a plan

Olympic athletes have clear goals: to participate in their events and, hopefully, win a medal. Your objective might not be to beat a world record or stand on the podium, but having tangible goals is essential. Once you establish your goals, develop a training plan and outline your routine. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at this stage, but you can count on the help of our external personal trainers to guide you — after all, every Olympic athlete has one. Finally, adjust your plan as needed based on your progress and feedback from your body.

2 – Strength and conditioning are key

Now that you have a clear goal, don’t forget that building strength and endurance is crucial. Strength and conditioning improve muscle power, enhance cardiovascular health, increase flexibility, and reduce the risk of injury, all critical for peak athletic performance. That’s exactly why Olympic athletes can’t dismiss this comprehensive approach — and neither should you. Take gymnasts, for example; they must focus on core strength and flexibility to do their routines precisely; runners incorporate strength training to improve speed and prevent injuries, and swimmers do conditioning to build endurance and muscle for their swimming strokes.

3 – Prioritize Nutrition and Hydration

Of course, they wouldn’t be able to achieve such great shape without prioritizing nutrition and hydration. A protein-rich diet, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates fuel your workouts and aid recovery. Make hydration a priority too, as water is essential for optimal performance.
Olympic athletes work closely with dietitians and sports nutritionists for tailored dietary advice. If you have any doubts, be sure to consult a nutritionist.

4 – Recovery is key

Proper recovery is as important as training. After all, even Simon Biles has a rest day. Resisting the urge to rest can severely increase your risk of injury, stifle your motivation, and even slam the brakes on your progress entirely. Incorporate rest days into your schedule, ensure you’re sleeping and relaxing properly, and, most importantly, listen to your body to avoid overtraining: only that way can you achieve peak performance.

5 – Consistency is key

Last but not least, consistency plays a crucial role in any fitness routine. It’s a 9-to-5 job for Olympic athletes where they have to follow rigorous training schedules and a strict diet. Our case is different: we have our 9-to-5 mostly sedentary jobs, so prioritizing daily training without excuses is crucial for achieving results. Only by maintaining consistency can we reach our fitness goals effectively.