Train Like the Pro’s: How Do They Do It?

Here’s a snippet from my Yoga For Athletes Feature Series on Grokker.com

Have you seen the major sponsors for the Olympics? How about the super stylized McDonald’s commercials with professional athletes savoring a big mac with a Coca Cola? What a bazaar world we are living in where our role models for health and fitness are being promoted as fast food junkies and caffeine addicts. It is time for a change! This is NOT how real athletes train and it is not where we should be looking for inspiration!

As the Global Yoga Trainer for adidas, for the past 4 years I have had the privilege of working with world-class athletes, trainers and coaches all around the world. Passionate athletes never cease to amaze me. I’m constantly intrigued by these dedicated explorers that dare to push the limits of what is ordinarily thought to be possible as a human. We often forget to pause and truly realize what a gift it is to be blessed with this divine machine. This is what the practice of yoga reminds us to do—over and over again. When we truly take the time to listen and pay attention we can’t help but realize that the human body is fascinating!

I’ve noticed that top notch athletes are always willing to try. There is something utterly magical about a person that is so deeply connected to their desire to be free from pain, to live life fully and to feel empowered within their own physicality, that they will humbly receive new information in service of that passion. And it truly is magic. What these athletes accomplish is nothing short of extraordinary and it’s all made possible by passionate dedication and love for the essence of human life. What an incredible lesson this is for each of us! When we authentically connect with our body and spirit’s unique passion and purpose anything is possible!

Through this connection, we are also drawn to a humble recognition of how much it takes to live this passion completely. It takes practice—every single day. Dedicated, passionate practice, childlike curiosity, and a willingness to engage with life’s challenges—these are the qualities that empower us to make magic with our bodies that is driven from the depths of our courageous hearts. These are qualities I consistently see in professional athletes around the globe. Being in the presence of their passion inspires me. How will you choose to inspire others?