Today I am still in Colorado Springs at the United States Olympic Training Center. This is the first time I've been invited to the Colorado Springs Training Center and let me tell you...it's impressive. The facility includes a state-of-the-art sports medicine and sports science center, an athlete center, and a 45,000 square foot aquatic center, complete with overhead catwalks and underwater cameras for filming athletes above and below the water.
Also on the grounds, is the Olympic Training Facility I with a 59,000 square-foot facility containing six gymnasiums and Olympic Training Facility II with 54,000 square feet of training facilities. Together these two Facilities have the capacity to accommodate up to 23 different sports.
There is also a swimming flume -a swimming treadmill if you will--which can not only adjust the current, but can adjust the altitude from sea level to 8,000 feet above sea level.
And a world class velodrome is located just 5 blocks from the Training Center and considered to be one of the top three cycling facilities in the world.
It is also exciting to be amongst some of the top athletes in the world. And Olympic Athletes are a lot like Baby Boomers. Now some of you might be saying, "Whoa, Mike...just a couple of weeks ago you were talking about how we aren't 19 anymore and can no longer treat our bodies that way...and now you are saying I'm like a 19 year old? What gives?" But consider this:
1) Olympic Athletes are concerned with keeping injury-free...so are Baby Boomers
2) Olympic Athletes realize a major part of their health is directly related to the choices they make... so do Baby Boomers
3) Olympic Athletes realize the decisions they make today will greatly affect their results tomorrow...Baby Boomers, ditto
When you reflect on these similarities, I think you'll agree, you can learn a lot from Olympic Athletes.
One of the best things you can emulate is an Olympian's attitude and vision. The Olympian has a positive view and sees himself as he wants to be. View yourself as young at heart, strong, healthy and happy...doing exactly the things in life you want to.
Another great lesson has to do with how an Olympian treats his body. An Olympian pays attention to his nutrition, makes sure he gets enough sleep, monitors his exercise and is careful to hydrate himself properly.
Not only does he pay attention...he makes it a priority. Because he knows what he does today will affect his performance tomorrow.
So remember, if you want to stay active and continue doing the activities you love,
· Keep a positive attitude and envision yourself as you want to be
· Make nutrition, sleep, exercise and hydration a priority
· Remember the choices you make today will affect your health tomorrow
And if you are feeling inspired by all this talk of Olympians and want to take your fitness level up a notch or set a goal to improve your time in your next race, check out the article on Strength to Weight Ratio in my library at http://www.mikeryanfitness.com/library.php.
With Healthy Regards,
Mike Ryan PT,
ATC, PES
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