How to Train Like an Elite Athlete – Podcast Ep. 12
Elite athlete, Matt Harrison, shares how he went from living comfortably to transforming into an elite athlete with just a few changes to his lifestyle.
When a championship or trophy is on the line, every opportunity for an athlete to practice makes a difference. The same is true of exercise sessions in preparation toward achieving a physical goal. Too many people run through their workout just to check it off as done instead of utilizing the workout to its full potential. Instead, treat the session like elite athletes do – as a rehearsal for the biggest physical performance they’ll do that season.
“Make each day your masterpiece“ – John Wooden
Effort, drive and determination are often attributes associated with athletes pushing through tough practices. Hence, the “no pain, no gain” exercise motto. But enthusiasm, purpose and intense focus may be just as important for progress1. For successful workouts, having a positive attitude, a goal for that session and focused attention are key.
Three Key Factors You Need
01.
Enthusiasm is a cornerstone of the late basketball coach John Wooden’s famous Pyramid of Success2. He described enthusiasm as that “which infuses hard work with inspired power.” Without the passion and joy for what you are doing, you can easily slip into worker bee mode to get your workout over with. Enthusiasm is a spark that ignites the willingness to proceed. It’s characterized by feelings of excitement and high levels of enjoyment3. If you’re not loving what you are doing, find another way of doing it or switch up your workouts.
02.
Purpose Personal meaning powers action – it’s caring enough about what you’re doing. Finding your purpose goes beyond the outcome you seek, but the “why” you are striving for it to begin with. Putting your personal values as top priority can lead you to perform better4. Nothing else can take precedent during your exercise session. Purpose is supported by the belief that you are responsible for your own success. Having an identified purpose helps you overcome pressure and stress and to bounce back from losses.
“The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus.“ – Bruce Lee
03.
Intense Focus With digital distractions it’s easy for one’s mind to wander off course. Sport psychologists say that being in the moment is crucial for effective practice5. Worry about what you can execute in the present instead of dwelling on the past. Pay greater attention to the action you’re doing instead of smartphone alerts, the environment around you or thoughts of the outcome. Whereas you might get away with reading while doing some low-intensity steady-state cardio, strength-training requires focus6.
Definition: Practice is the repetition of an action with the goal of improvement.
All that is not to say that the treadmill setting or weights have to be different or more than your last workout. On the contrary, repetition with good form allows you to improve on quantity or speed later. The TED-Ed video entitled “How to practice effectively…for just about anything” by Annie Bosler and Don Greene has an expanded explanation for the reasons why repeated practice works — one of them is neural processing. You actually create the neural pathway to do an action unconsciously by repeating it until the action becomes reflexive.
Treating your workout like a household chore to get done will likely make the session, well, …a chore. Consider each exercise session a rehearsal – a chance to fix mistakes and move forward toward a winning performance, even if you are the only audience. Embrace what you’re doing, make your purpose a priority and narrow your attention to your present action.
References
Welcome to the 12th episode of the Living Healthy Podcast, presented by LA Fitness.
On this episode of Living Healthy, we speak with Matt Harrison, LA Fitness member and elite athlete, who shares how you too can become an elite athlete with just a few changes made to your lifestyle.
Hey there! Is there something you’re interested in hearing about? Do you have a fitness topic of interest? How about nutrition? Or maybe you have a fitness success story (or know someone else who does) and want to share it with us? Tweet, message or email us your thoughts and opinions. We love hearing from our listeners and thank you for being a member of the Living Healthy Podcast community!
How Are We Doing?
This podcast should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.
Intro
Begins at 0:01
Elite Athlete, Matt Harrison, joins the show
Begins at 0:23
What Does Elite Athlete Even Mean?
0:28
Have You Always Been an Athlete?
0:56
What is the Foundation Someone Needs Before Becoming an Elite Athlete?
1:18
What Changed Your Mindset?
2:18
What Sparked the Change?
3:09
How Do You Find the Time to Train and Balance Life?
4:40
The 3 Personal Commitments
5:50
On Living More in the Moment
6:53
What Are the Causalities of Having Laser Focus?
8:36
On His First Ever Spartan Race
9:34
Nutritional Component of an Elite Athlete
12:11
On Getting Cravings
14:20
Snapshot of Daily Nutrition
15:50
On His Workout Regiment
17:45
What Does a Rest Day for You Look Like? And Cutting-Edge Technology
19:36
What Was the Hardest Adjustment to Make?
21:15
On Setting Goals
22:08
Actionable Advice
24:07
Elite athlete, Matt Harrison, shares how he went from living comfortably to transforming into an elite athlete with just a few changes to his lifestyle.
From the time she was born, Dana R. of Pottstown, Pennsylvania, struggled with an illness that her parents and doctors were trying to figure out. At the age of 4, Dana was taken to the Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia where she underwent genetic testing and was diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome. A few of the key characteristics of this disease are weak muscle tone, poor growth, and chronic overeating due to lack of an enzyme signaling that the body is full. In some cases, children can eat themselves to death.
Because of this, Dana has struggled with weight her entire life.
For a young girl, this can be particularly devastating. Now at 17 years old, Dana has managed to find a way to combat the disease by incorporating fitness into her life.
A New Approach
Dana and her mom, Darlene, had searched around their local area at several different gyms but still hadn’t selected one. Shortly after their initial search, an LA Fitness team member was passing out 1-week guest passes at a school event. Dana decided to take advantage of the opportunity and gave it a shot for a week. She immediately fell in love with the Zumba® classes and signed up for a membership.
Dana started attending group fitness classes regularly along with watching her diet and has succeeded in losing a remarkable 20 lbs. since she first started her journey towards a healthier life!
“Going to L.A. Fitness has made me feel so much better. I have gone from 140 pounds down to 120. I had surgery on my leg several years ago and it feels much better when I exercise and stretch it. I also have scoliosis and will most likely have to have surgery within the next year. The classes and machines make my back feel much better, and they also get me prepared for surgery by strengthening my core and muscles.”
Dana’s excess weight came from a body fighting itself, but Dana has found a way to fight back harder. With the motivation she receives from group fitness classes and encouragement from those around her she now “has more confidence, looks great, and smiles more often!” shared her mom, Darlene.
Advice from Dana
Dana’s advice to all is never give up. She may have more difficulties than most, but that hasn’t stopped her from accomplishing remarkable achievements. Dana is an honors student who secured straight A’s last semester. She plays clarinet in the concert band and sings in the chorus at her school. She has her driver’s permit and has now lost 20+ lbs.! She never gives up, has defied many odds, and continues to surprise others with her steadfast hard work and optimism. Dana plans to attend college within the upcoming years.
With all of these accomplishments under her belt and many more still to come, we can’t wait to see just how far Dana will go!
Elite athlete, Matt Harrison, shares how he went from living comfortably to transforming into an elite athlete with just a few changes to his lifestyle.
A genetic disease caused Dana R. to undergo difficulties many of us could never imagine. This is the story of her taking control of her health, happiness, and fitness.
Check out the intense fitness routine of avid surfer and lifeguard, Shawn F. of Huntington Beach, CA., whose time is spent building strength, focusing on balance, and practicing mindful eating.
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