Using the Olympics to inspire.

I don't know about you but I love the Olympics. Especially the summer games. I am so keyed up about the coming games it consumes most of my thoughts. I have been clearing out my dvr so I can tape events that hit at odd hours just so I don't miss anything. I also love watching the trials and seeing who gets to go to London. Fun times. But there is more to the games than just watching it for me. They always make me channel my inner athlete and so I totally use the games to inspire me on my journey to optimal fitness and health.

I am sure there is some study out there somewhere that has exact facts and measurements but we all know that viewing tv persuades us to act certain ways and do certain things. How many times are you watching a show and for no reason whatsoever you all of a sudden need to eat and you are craving say Mexican. I bet the people on your show were eating chips and salsa. I took a class on advertising in college and the most compelling section was subliminal advertising. I can still spot a subliminal advertising message a mile away. So naturally watching a sporting event will channel your inner athlete. Just like watching Desperate Housewives channels your inner B**ch. How many times do you see tennis courts at your local park full of Wimbledon wanna-bes during the games, same for football and basketball. I can always tell when there is a basketball game on tv because my neighbors go out and play afterward.

So I encourage you to use the Olympic games to motivate you to get moving and push yourself. Watch the trials and games. Even if it isn't a sport you participate in it still gets your fitness juices flowing. Instead of looking at these athletes and think I will never be like that, think wow look at where hard work got them. Sure they have been competing in their sport since they were young but that doesn't mean you can't be the best  you can be now! Also use this time for the multitude of free resources floating around out there. Nearly every fitness magazine, blog or website is bound to have a story or special write up on an Olympic athlete and how they train and eat. See what they do, what motivates them, use it.

Train hard, Minus your 46.