Erin McNeice

Train Like an Olympian: Unleash Your Inner Champion!

Ever wondered what it takes to train like Team GB’s finest? Join us as we dive into the intense regime of Olympic athletes like Shauna Coxsey!

With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games just around the corner, the excitement is palpable, and the question on everyone’s lips is: how do Olympians prepare for the greatest athletic showdown on earth? Team GB's own Shauna Coxsey, a renowned climber, recently opened up about her training regimen. It’s not all sweat and tears; there’s a method to this madness, and it's not as daunting as you might think! From balancing high-intensity workouts to mastering focused breathing exercises, Shauna’s programme is a masterclass on what it means to train like a true Olympian.

One of the core principles of her training is consistency. Shauna dedicates hours to honing her skills, improving her techniques, and working on her mental strength, which is just as important as physical prowess. She often emphasizes the importance of listening to your body and knowing when to push harder and when to give it a rest. You might be picturing long days in the gym, but Shauna also incorporates playful elements, such as rock climbing outdoors. This keeps her training exciting and helps her maintain that winning mindset!

Incorporating various disciplines is key to her success. While climbing takes centre stage, she also embraces yoga and strength training for a well-rounded approach. As she puts it, “Strength isn’t just about muscles; it’s about having the mind to drive through challenges.” This holistic approach ensures she remembers to have fun instead of just burning out. Additionally, nutrition plays a crucial role in her routine. A diet filled with carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats fuels her body for the explosive athleticism required to compete at such high levels.

Now, while it may not be realistic to climb the same heights as Shauna, anyone can adopt her mindset of commitment and diversity in training. Whether you're a casual gym-goer or an aspiring athlete, bring some of that Olympian spirit into your workouts! After all, the truth is, it’s not just about becoming a gold medal winner but rather about winning fiercely in your personal journey.

**Fun Fact 1:** Did you know that climbing was added as an Olympic sport only recently, making its debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games? Team GB made waves in this new realm, with Shauna leading the charge despite the challenges of the global pandemic!

**Fun Fact 2:** Physically, Olympians like Shauna put an average of 20-30 hours a week into training! But what's more astonishing is that they often do it with the understanding that their career can be a rollercoaster of different outcomes. Yet, it’s this journey that shapes them into the resilient athletes we admire!