Being the world’s fastest man, you’d expect Usain Bolt to have an intense training regime. Bolt trains six days a week, twice a day, either working out on the track or at the gym.
While most of us exercise to simply stay fit as opposed to preparing our bodies to try to break world records or win Olympic gold medals, there is something that we all can learn from the drive and determination of an elite athlete such as Bolt.
Here the world champion and Puma ambassador lets us in on how he stays at his record-breaking best.
Find your motivation
“You have to find that one thing that you know is going to motivate you. You might not enjoy training for example but you have to love competing and winning. If you want these things you have to be determined and train hard.”
Mix up your exercise regime
“There isn’t a typical session – training for me is either on the track or in the gym. It depends on the time of year and what we are working on. On the track, it can be working on everything from endurance to any technical aspect of my race – the start, the drive phase, the transition for both the 100m and 200m. In the gym, it’s general conditioning, strength, and power.”
Eat well
“I have a good diet now, I have a chef who helps me eat well. A lot of chicken, rice, vegetables. Good Jamaican food. It is also important to be well hydrated.”
Look after your body
“When I started running as a kid, it was fun – I was good at it so I just did it. I didn’t have to train that much to win races. As I got older I realized that I have to take better care of my body. Now diet, rest, and recovery are more important than a few years ago.
Stick to a regular training regime
“I train for 11 months of the year, six days a week. Normally in the morning and then again in the afternoon. It’s a lot of work
Build your confidence
“Training gives you confidence and this helps your state of mind. I know if I’m in good shape it’s going to be very hard to beat me, this confidence is very important in performing well.”
Have a goal
“Well, my single greatest goal is to become the greatest, pretty much. That’s what I work towards. I want to be remembered as a great sportsman, to have a place in history.”
