The Training Advice I Give Olympians
NewYork-Presbyterian sports medicine physicians share the training tips they give their elite athletes.
How can you train like an Olympian? With the Games underway, Health Matters asked four NewYork-Presbyterian physicians — who work with different U.S. national teams — for the advice they give to elite athletes as they prepare for major competitions. Read on for a few expert tips that can help athletes of any level upgrade their training.
Start With a Dynamic Warm-Up
It’s important to have a dynamic warm-up to prepare the body’s muscles, encourage blood flow and movement, reduce muscle stiffness, and decrease risk of injury. Warm-up exercises will depend on the sport and should be performed for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Examples of dynamic exercise include high-knee hugs and lateral hip swing.
— Dr. Jennifer Soo Hoo, sports medicine physician, NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center
Don’t Overdo It
Athletes tend to experience injuries when they introduce sudden increases in training load without preparing the body. So as a competition draws near, stick to the planned training trajectory, and focus on quality of repetitions with mental rehearsal and visualization to get that last-minute edge.
— Dr. Asad Siddiqi, sports medicine physician, NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital
Focus on the Basics
Maintain good nutrition, hydration, and a solid sleep schedule to keep your body healthy. When you have a regular routine, you can treat big competitions like any other you’ve already competed in.
— Dr. Katherine Yao, sports medicine physician, NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center
Work on Your Mental Fitness
During big moments, trust yourself, be kind to yourself, and surround yourself with support when mental pressure is greatest. Physical training is important, but mental strength, focus, and positivity are also building blocks of performance.
— Dr. Elan Goldwaser, pediatric and adult sports medicine physician, NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center