Are you really fit and at peak performance? Are you able to walk or run without exhaustion? Can you squat or lift without pain in your hips and shoulders? This summer the television and internet have brought us unforgettable images of the finest athletes in the world to ever compete. The Olympics demonstrate fitness survival and peak performance.
As we watch swimmers, gymnasts, rowers, and track athletes and dozens of other events, we witness the different components of overall fitness. Technique, agility, and balance are evident in gymnastics. Muscular strength is seen in rowing and volleyball. Excellent lung capacity is critical in swimming, cycling, and track. The ability to adjust to pain and mental agitation is seen in wrestling and weight lifting. At stake for Olympic competition are the components of power, strength, agility and coordination, peak lung capacity and the ability to adjust to pain.
To put it into Olympic perspective, Michael Phelps, the greatest Olympian of all time, won his 22nd and final Olympic medal, 18 of them gold recently. He was presented with a silver trophy which declared him to be, "The Greatest Olympic Athlete of All Time." How did he achieve that decoration? In the pool he demonstrated rigorous kicks and strength, not to mention great lung capacity. Michael Phelps symbolizes the extreme dedication to tedious practice day in and day out.
In the arena of technique, artistry, coordination and balance, the main event is gymnastics. Gabby Douglas, the sixteen year old African-American girl, to win the gold all-around, had a rigorous schedule of practice away from her home. Who could not marvel at the spectacular performance and precision of this Olympian prodigy on the bars, beam and vault?
The Russians are favorites of the men's wrestling to win medals at the Olympics. These Olympians are strong and agile. To perform well, there must be a propensity to endure pain and mental agitation. Wrestling is about setting peak performance and strategizing to win a competition.
These are only a few examples of high performance and fitness demonstrated at a world level. For the average person who does not train 5 to 6 hours a day six days a week for years, there are lessons to be learned from these world-class Olympians.
1. Physical fitness is about having the discipline to exercise regularly. For example, walking or cycling need to be done consistently over time to increase lung capacity and endurance.
2. Physical fitness is a mindset that does not acquiesce to pain or weakness. Fitness begins in the mind with visualized goals and materializes in the body.
3. Physical fitness is a healthy lifestyle about eating right, good posture and body mechanics and a positive attitude.
4. Physical fitness extends past the individual to the family and community. Healthy bodies build healthy families which in turn build healthy communities.
The 2012 Olympics demonstrate peak performance on many levels. They also demonstrate to us the absolute need for fitness survival. The foundation for any society begins with the health and fitness of its citizens.
As we watch swimmers, gymnasts, rowers, and track athletes and dozens of other events, we witness the different components of overall fitness. Technique, agility, and balance are evident in gymnastics. Muscular strength is seen in rowing and volleyball. Excellent lung capacity is critical in swimming, cycling, and track. The ability to adjust to pain and mental agitation is seen in wrestling and weight lifting. At stake for Olympic competition are the components of power, strength, agility and coordination, peak lung capacity and the ability to adjust to pain.
To put it into Olympic perspective, Michael Phelps, the greatest Olympian of all time, won his 22nd and final Olympic medal, 18 of them gold recently. He was presented with a silver trophy which declared him to be, "The Greatest Olympic Athlete of All Time." How did he achieve that decoration? In the pool he demonstrated rigorous kicks and strength, not to mention great lung capacity. Michael Phelps symbolizes the extreme dedication to tedious practice day in and day out.
In the arena of technique, artistry, coordination and balance, the main event is gymnastics. Gabby Douglas, the sixteen year old African-American girl, to win the gold all-around, had a rigorous schedule of practice away from her home. Who could not marvel at the spectacular performance and precision of this Olympian prodigy on the bars, beam and vault?
The Russians are favorites of the men's wrestling to win medals at the Olympics. These Olympians are strong and agile. To perform well, there must be a propensity to endure pain and mental agitation. Wrestling is about setting peak performance and strategizing to win a competition.
These are only a few examples of high performance and fitness demonstrated at a world level. For the average person who does not train 5 to 6 hours a day six days a week for years, there are lessons to be learned from these world-class Olympians.
1. Physical fitness is about having the discipline to exercise regularly. For example, walking or cycling need to be done consistently over time to increase lung capacity and endurance.
2. Physical fitness is a mindset that does not acquiesce to pain or weakness. Fitness begins in the mind with visualized goals and materializes in the body.
3. Physical fitness is a healthy lifestyle about eating right, good posture and body mechanics and a positive attitude.
4. Physical fitness extends past the individual to the family and community. Healthy bodies build healthy families which in turn build healthy communities.
The 2012 Olympics demonstrate peak performance on many levels. They also demonstrate to us the absolute need for fitness survival. The foundation for any society begins with the health and fitness of its citizens.
Anna Marie Hernandez is a physical therapist and teacher. She has written articles and books on integrative health, fitness and children's educational books. For more information visit: http://www.healthforsurvival.com
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