FITNESS: Go for golden health

Hopefully, every American has taken some time to watch the 2004 Olympic Games.

While taking in the amazing feats these athletes perform, I reflected on the dedication, talent, motivation and discipline it takes to get to this level.

On the other hand, look at the state of our country where the person who exercises regularly is in the minority.

Perhaps we can learn some lessons from these Olympic Games and take them to heart.

When looking at the physiques of these athletes, it is easy to be impressed. They are lean, strong and powerful.

Of course, these athletes embrace their sport every day for hours with each moment geared toward enhancing their performance.

As their competition days near, their diet and workouts are streamlined to maximize peak performance and tap into energy reserves.

If the average person devoted one tenth of the time that these athletes do to exercise and diet, we would not be in such dire straits as a nation.

Of course, Olympic athletes are like every person in that they want to look and feel good. However, their training is geared solely toward stream-lining their bodies for a specific sport.

The result is a body that develops muscle and fat where needed.

For example, swimmers are extremely strong for their sport, especially in the upper back and torso. Their body fat, on the other hand, is probably slightly higher than most athletes as some fat is conducive to staying buoyant in the water.

Again, since athletes are human, there are days where they do not feel as motivated to exercise or struggle through a routine.

Keeping the focus on their ultimate goal provides the incentive they need to persevere.

Setting goals is essential in training since it provides a guidepost on the journey of fitness. Most of us will never see a gold medal, except on television, so that is probably not a realistic goal.

Goals should be small and possible to attain. For weight loss, set your goal at losing that first 10 pounds instead of looking at the entire amount that needs to be lost.

The theme of team work also is prevalent in the Olympics. Besides the team events, athletes also are working toward success for the ultimate team -- the United States of America. This theme could not be more well-timed than now.

Team sports is a great avenue for children and adults. Working toward a common cause instead of just your own individual goals is a great feeling.

If you have seen the movie "Miracle," about the 1980 U.S. hockey team defeating the Russians, it is very inspirational. Again, team work plus hard work equal success.

Of course, in the real world, we all have jobs and families to attend to and don't have eight hours a day to devote to sports and exercise. However, there is no reason why we all cannot fit some type of physical activity into each day.

Just like water, food and air, exercise is an essential element for life. Our bodies were not made to be sedentary lumps.

We have muscles, tendons and ligaments meant to propel us not just in ordinary tasks but, as seen by the Olympians, amazing feats.

Kim Springer and her husband, Mike, are certified personal trainers and owners of Springer Training. They can be reached at 233-9442 or at their Web site www.springertraining.com.


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