We’ve been spoilt with 16 days of athletic accomplishments at the very highest level during the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. More than half the world watched the Games at some point, bringing countries together and turning Olympians into true legends.

From a completely, unashamed, biased viewpoint, Great Britain did exceptionally well. It was their best medal haul for 108 years and placed second in the medal table wedged between the USA and China.

Not bad for an isolated rock off mainland Europe with a population of 65 million compared to 324 million in the USA and 1.4 billion in China.

Brits have forgotten about Brexit for a while and been basking in sporting glory!

Makes good viewing if you’re British!

There may be some debate that Team GB have bought their medals by funding used from the National Lottery.

It’s claimed that each of the 67 medals won by Great Britain has cost £4,096,500 in funding.

The Olympic Mindset

Despite the amount of funding that has been invested into British sport over the last 20 years there is no argument about the mindset of an Olympian.

Money always talks but the general consensus of Olympians during interviews is that they do it for the love of the sport and the pride of standing on the podium for their country.

The idea of inspiring the next generation of sporting icons is great if you are still at school or college but anyone can take something away from the Games when looking at the mindset needed to persevere and strive for excellence during a cycle of four years.

The inspirational Mo Farah won the 5000m and 10000m at Rio 2016. He also claimed the titles at London 2012.

Dogged Determination

Most athletes will train 6 days a week, 50 weeks a year for four years. Training on Christmas Day, missing important birthdays, weddings, christenings and generally becoming social hermits.

They understand it takes hard work and graft to achieve their goal.

They know that if they’re resting, their rivals are most probably training.

It’s a hardcore regimen but we can take a leaf out of their books by remembering that if we want to get fit and feel healthy it takes determination and time.

Determination to follow through with a fitness and nutrition programme and understanding that it takes months and months for that hard work to come into fruition.

That means getting down the gym three weeks before your summer holiday to ‘tone up’ isn’t going to cut it!

Want to look good in your swimsuit?

Then you need to start your exercise routine in January or February. That’s right, when it’s dark and cold and all you want to do is curl up with Netflix rather than work out. This is the period when you need to start as you mean to go on.

Are you an Olympic Champion at watching Game of Thrones?

Sacrifice and Single-Mindedness

All Olympians talk of sacrifice. They miss out on time with their kids and their social life outside the sport is limited. Athletes understand that in order to reach their target then they have to give up a few things in life.

It’s extreme to be making huge sacrifices but missing out on the odd night drinking and binging on fast food when you’re hungover isn’t going to take you any closer to your health and fitness goals.

The only thing on an Olympians mind is standing on the podium, achieving a personal best or representing their country.

They make up a tiny population of people walking this earth to have been at an Olympics but it’s consumed their mind for at least the last four years.

Watch the video below to see what it means to be an Olympic Champion

For every decision you take in life, you should be questioning whether it takes you closer or further away from your goals. Complaining that you can’t lose weight or find it hard to pack on muscle is not an exercise or nutrition issue it’s a lifestyle choice.

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses.

Imagine the following scenario if you will.

The Jamaican sprint star Usain Bolt is standing on the podium with a medal around his neck listening to the American national anthem. That’s right, he hasn’t won his ninth Olympic Gold but a surprising Bronze medal. After the ceremony, an interviewer from the BBC approaches him…

The Greatest…?

Interviewer: “Usain, you must be disappointed with the Bronze medal, where did it go wrong for you in the 100 metre final?”

Usain Bolt: “I just found it hard to train properly after London 2012.”

Interviewer: “Really, why’s that?”

Usain Bolt: “Well, I missed quite a few training sessions as I went out with friends instead. I didn’t exercise for a couple of months as I had a conservatory fitted to my house. I was up all night watching reality TV shows so wasn’t sleeping properly. I decided to go on holiday for a few weeks having a blow out on booze and junk food and I’ve lost my mojo to exercise.”

Interviewer: “Wow.”

Of course, this scenario is literally beyond belief, as we would never expect such excuses from one of the world’s greatest ever athletes.

So why do we think it’s OK to use these excuses on ourselves?

I haven’t made these excuses up either; they are real-life examples that I’ve heard over the years in personal training.

Be Inspired

Now, I know elite athletes competing at the pinnacle of their sport get paid to do it as a full-time profession and I’m well aware they have access to the world’s best coaches and nutritionists but something money cannot buy is a winning mindset.

They spend thousands of hours training for the Games and dedicate their whole life to achieving their dream.

So let’s take inspiration from the Olympics and apply that winning mentality and strength of mind to our everyday endeavours so we can become champions at whatever we want to achieve in life.

Those who play the National Lottery are looking for a quick fix but ironically they’re helping out those who understand that there is no such thing in life.

Interested in achieving your health and fitness goals? Message me now. Don’t wait four years! Press the big button below…

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