Ok, well maybe not like the ones recently named in the George Mitchell Report, but like a REAL athlete.
One that trains hard and does all these weird moves for the sake of being one step faster, a little stronger, or quicker than their opponent.
Who says you can't train the same way?Sure there can be modifications, but the moves aren't going to change are they?Let's face it, the athletes we see on a daily basis have chiseled bodies and look perfect.
But that's their job.
Us regular folk, on the other hand, have jobs that often require us to sit in front of a computer or in a vehicle for a large part of the day.
But wait, don't let perceived reality set in quite yet.
It may take you a bit longer, but it can still be done.
However it may require a shift in your regular routine; you will end up training LESS than you are now.
Yup, you heard that right, you will train like an athlete but spend less time in the gym.
Any successful athlete will tell you that it is the basics that will develop your foundation for success.
The basics are the body weight exercises you learned as a kid: push ups, pull ups, sit ups, and squats.
I'd like to add another to that mix; Deadlift.
If you only did these five movements, you would be seeing gains in strength and lean muscle tissue faster than your current machine based program.
Let's face it, on the field you are manipulating your body constantly to out maneuver your opponent.
Not once is a machine involved, and not once is there an isolated muscle group working by itself.
In other words, ditch the bicep curls for sake of time and replace them with a pull up, or single leg squat.
Along with the basics, you want to have a specific set and repetition scheme that will have you in and out of your workout quickly but effectively.
It can get a bit tricky with this part.
I suggest starting off with a conservative 2-3 sets of each exercise with 12-15 reps so that you can learn the moves and be comfortable with them before increasing the weight.
You can gradually lower the reps and add a set to each exercise for continued improvement.
Remember to always consult a physician before starting any exercise program.
Look to change your sets or reps every four to six weeks to prevent plateaus.
One big difference between an athletes training schedule and your training schedule (other than the amount of time put in) is that an athlete must perform in an event.
This is often the most challenging 'workout' that an athlete has.
They are on display here and there is a lot of pressure to perform.
How can you have this motivational moment in your training program?Set a date in advance that involves a special event that you want to look your best at.
Know that on that day you are expected to 'perform' at your highest level.
Use that as fuel for your motivational fire to train hard and eat smart until that day arrives.
Embrace the mindset that you will be at your best and you will do what it takes to get there.
We all have an athlete inside of us.
Whether it is the athletic ability, the competitive edge the unwaivering mindset, or all three; it is waiting for you to unleash it.
Set your sights on it and go!
One that trains hard and does all these weird moves for the sake of being one step faster, a little stronger, or quicker than their opponent.
Who says you can't train the same way?Sure there can be modifications, but the moves aren't going to change are they?Let's face it, the athletes we see on a daily basis have chiseled bodies and look perfect.
But that's their job.
Us regular folk, on the other hand, have jobs that often require us to sit in front of a computer or in a vehicle for a large part of the day.
But wait, don't let perceived reality set in quite yet.
It may take you a bit longer, but it can still be done.
However it may require a shift in your regular routine; you will end up training LESS than you are now.
Yup, you heard that right, you will train like an athlete but spend less time in the gym.
Any successful athlete will tell you that it is the basics that will develop your foundation for success.
The basics are the body weight exercises you learned as a kid: push ups, pull ups, sit ups, and squats.
I'd like to add another to that mix; Deadlift.
If you only did these five movements, you would be seeing gains in strength and lean muscle tissue faster than your current machine based program.
Let's face it, on the field you are manipulating your body constantly to out maneuver your opponent.
Not once is a machine involved, and not once is there an isolated muscle group working by itself.
In other words, ditch the bicep curls for sake of time and replace them with a pull up, or single leg squat.
Along with the basics, you want to have a specific set and repetition scheme that will have you in and out of your workout quickly but effectively.
It can get a bit tricky with this part.
I suggest starting off with a conservative 2-3 sets of each exercise with 12-15 reps so that you can learn the moves and be comfortable with them before increasing the weight.
You can gradually lower the reps and add a set to each exercise for continued improvement.
Remember to always consult a physician before starting any exercise program.
Look to change your sets or reps every four to six weeks to prevent plateaus.
One big difference between an athletes training schedule and your training schedule (other than the amount of time put in) is that an athlete must perform in an event.
This is often the most challenging 'workout' that an athlete has.
They are on display here and there is a lot of pressure to perform.
How can you have this motivational moment in your training program?Set a date in advance that involves a special event that you want to look your best at.
Know that on that day you are expected to 'perform' at your highest level.
Use that as fuel for your motivational fire to train hard and eat smart until that day arrives.
Embrace the mindset that you will be at your best and you will do what it takes to get there.
We all have an athlete inside of us.
Whether it is the athletic ability, the competitive edge the unwaivering mindset, or all three; it is waiting for you to unleash it.
Set your sights on it and go!