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How to Train Like an Elite Athlete

Top Female Athletes During the Meball/HSPU Event at the 2012 CrossFit Games (Image courtesy of CrossFit's Facebook Page)

Top Female Athletes During the Meball/HSPU Event at the 2012 CrossFit Games

Whether you actually play professional or amateur sports – or just want to be as healthy as you possibly can – training like an elite athlete is possible. You may not be able to rely on the backup staff of a major league player but there are still things you can do to keep ahead of the pack.

Following these tips may not get you featured on Missouri betting sites but you can still train as though you are playing for the Kansas City Royals or the new St. Louis City soccer team. Here are five things you can do to train like an elite athlete.

Set Goals

You should already be well aware of your limitations when it comes to sports and training. But setting goals to improve is crucial if you want to improve. You may have an actual event to work towards, so that will inform your goal making. But you can still set targets even if there is nothing coming up on the horizon.

You need to be honest about your abilities when it comes to setting goals. That way you can work towards something that is attainable – but will still test you every single day. There is no point in making your training too easy, as that is missing the point of why you train in the first place.

Follow a Routine

If you were a professional sports athlete you would get up for work and train just about every day – apart from the day of a game or event. Following a routine can also help you boost your athlete branding. As a non-athlete you do not have that routine already in place, but you should ensure that you are working to a plan to get the most out of your training.

Keeping up with a routine will help you on the days that there is not quite as much motivation, for whatever reason. Building this routine around your workday can be challenging but that makes it even more important to put one in place. Keeping up with the routine will pay off in the long run.

Adjust Your Diet

Part of a training routine or program should be taking care of what you put into your body as well. A healthy and balanced diet should already be part of your day. But if you are hoping to train like an athlete, you may need to change your diet to ensure that you are giving your body what it needs.

You should keep clear of any diet fads currently doing the rounds. Depending on what kind of sport you enjoy playing, you should be taking in enough protein and vegetables. That does not mean overloading though. Unless you are planning to play on a defensive line, you should not eat as much as a pro footballer.

Find a Friend

For some people, training on your own and blocking out the outside world is one of life’s luxuries. Going for an early morning run when the rest of the city is asleep can be an incredible way to start your day. You can still do that – but finding a buddy to train with will help you as well.

Training with a partner can create a competitive edge that will push you even further. There is no need for that competition to get out of hand, but having someone else next to you, inspiring you to do better is a good idea. You could even ask your local sports clubs if they allow non-players to join their training sessions.

Make Sure You Rest

There are a lot of things you can do to improve your health and train like a pro. But if you are not getting the right amount of rest, you could be undoing all that good work. Making sure that you get your rest is even more important as a non-athlete, as you also have to fit your training around your work. 

You should be trying to get around seven to nine hours of sleep to help your body recover. Whenever you train, make sure you rest properly – and then you can go again the next day.

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The Rx Review is an independent fitness website, reporting on the Sport of Fitness, functional fitness news, The CrossFit Games, health and diet related information, and also provides reviews on sports performance products.