Get-Fit Tricks from Winter Olympians
By Marissa Stephenson, Shape.com
Tune in to the Winter Olympics and you'll see athletes performing triple salchows, doing backflips on the half-pipe, and charging down the mountain at mind-boggling speeds. Even if you have no plans to pull off such awe-inspiring feats yourself, these medal contenders still have a lot of helpful advice for achieving your personal best. Follow their strategies and you'll be golden.
For more on these athletes, including video, photos, and a full schedule of their events, go to nbcolympics.com.
The "it" girl
LINDSEY VONN, 25, ALPINE SKI RACER
Last season Lindsey nabbed her second consecutive overall World Cup championship and became the winningest female American skier in history. The gold-medal favorite in four Alpine events, she credits her best friends with keeping her motivated; "They wear 'Vonntourage' sweatshirts at my races and work out with me to make training fun."
ON STAYING COOL UNDER PRESSURE "Before a race, I play a game like Brain Age on my Nintendo DS."
FUEL-UP ADVICE "I start the day with a big bowl of muesli. It helps me power through my a.m. workout."
HER BEST TRAINING TIP "I swear by this core move: Sit on a stability ball with your feet on the floor and have a friend toss a weighted ball to you. Catch it as you lean back, then throw it to her as you crunch up."
Read More: Does Lindsey Vonn Have a Shot at the Gold
Read More: Find Your Inner Olympian
The reigning champ
JULIA MANCUSO, 25, ALPINE SKIER
In the last Winter Games, Julia won gold in the giant slalom. But since then, she's battled injuries, which resulted in poor performances at last season's World Cups. The skier says there's no magic formula for getting your mojo back-you just have to remain positive and keep training.
ON STAYING COOL UNDER PRESSURE "The moment I think about past letdowns or future hypotheticals, I mentally put myself on shaky ground. If I clear my mind of chatter, I can succeed, just like I did in 2006."
WHAT SHE'LL DO IF SHE WINS "I'll plan a happening shindig after my last race, with a band and the whole nine yards."
THE EVENT SHE'S GOTTA SEE "I want to make it to the women's figure-skating final-it's always a nail-biter!"
The aerial artist
GRETCHEN BLEILER, 28, SNOWBOARDER
Since her 2006 silver medal win in the half-pipe, Gretchen has won gold at the 2008 X Games, designed an eco-friendly clothing line for Oakley, and logged serious cross-training: "I run on the beach, surf, and bike," she says. The overachiever is ready to move up a spot on the podium and, "give something back to my family, fans, and coaches for all they've done to support me."
ON STAYING COOL UNDER PRESSURE "It's okay to feel nervous before a competition because it means you care about doing well. Acknowledge it, take a breath, and tell yourself, 'I'm ready.'"
Read More: Train Like a Triathlete
HER BEST TRAINING TIP "Have a specific goal every time you hit the gym; this way, your workouts have built-in purpose."
THE EVENT SHE'S GOTTA SEE "I'm buddies with hockey star Angela Ruggiero and skier Julia Mancuso, so I'll watch them compete."
The dancing queen
TANITH BELBIN, 25, ICE DANCER
So you think you can dance? Imagine trying it on ice! To pull off fancy footwork on 4-millimeter-thick blades, Tanith and her skating partner, Ben Agosto, spend four hours a day in the rink, do three weekly strength-training session, and practice ballet, folk, and modern dance. Since taking silver in 2006, they have won tow consecutive U.S. Championship titles and are currently ranked third in the world.
ON STAYING COOL UNDER PRESSURE "Don't worry about beating someone else. Concentrate on your goal and you'll succeed."
HOW SHE WINDS DOWN "I love to watch reality TV shows, like Dancing With the Stars. It shows how hard you have to work to do well."
Read More: Fitness Tips from 2010 Winter Olympians
Jennifer Rodriguez | Katherine Reutter | Noelle Pikus-Pace | Angela Ruggiero
Read More from Shape.com:
Train Like a Triathlete
Antioxidant Rich Foods
How to Lose Weight Fast
