How to Train Like an Olympian

Instead of just applauding the Olympians in Vancouver, get inspired! Use these tips to train like a gold medalist and create a world-class workout.

    You may not be an Olympian, but there are lessons you can learn from them if you want to improve your athletic performance and overall fitness.

Boost Your Energy Level With Exercise

Regular workouts can make a real difference in your energy level. Learn how to get the maximum benefits.

Feeling sluggish, tired, and sleepy? Just don't have any energy to do what you need to do? Skip the extra cups of java and hours of sleeping in, and head to the gym.

Design Your Best Workout Plan

Take an active role in finding a workout plan that fits your personality and fitness goals.

    According to the National Institutes of Health, lack of physical activity, along with poor diet, is the second leading preventable cause of death in the United States. "Many Americans are overweight and most don't exercise regularly. Both of these contribute to cardiovascular disease, the number one killer in the world," says John Higgins, MD, assistant professor of cardiology and an exercise physiologist at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston.

The Secret to Stronger Muscles

If you want bigger, stronger muscles, you don't need to reach for the heaviest weight on the rack.

    One look at Olympic weight-lifters shows that the heavier the weights, the stronger the weight lift, right? Although there's definitely some truth to this conventional workout wisdom, a new position paper published in the journal Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism argues that there's more to the story. 

The Best Athletic Shoes for Your Workout

Choosing the right workout shoes is as important for your foot health as for your performance.

    While the clothes you choose for a workout are important, the sneakers you select can make a huge difference in how you perform your fitness activity, while the wrong athletic shoes can hurt your feet and even cause injury to other parts of your body.

Fitness Glossary

How knowledgeable are you about fitness and exercise? Learn the definitions of fitness terms.

If you’re going to walk the walk of regular workouts, you also need to talk the talk. Get started by becoming familiar with some of the basic terms of fitness and exercise.