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This is how Olympic athletes stick to their goals

Photo credit: Ian MacNicol / Getty
Photo credit: Ian MacNicol / Getty

From NetDoctor

Whether it's losing weight, dusting off a pair of running trainers or ditching the sweet stuff, research suggests that it's around this time in January when we lose the willpower for our New Year's Resolutions.

If you're lacking in motivation, or have stalled and need to get back on track, take some inspiration from these GB athletes who reveal how they stay motivated and achieve their goals…

1. Olympic Cyclists Jason Kenny and Laura Trott

Photo credit: Bryn Lennon / Staff / Getty
Photo credit: Bryn Lennon / Staff / Getty

BE POSITIVE

"Getting ready for the Olympics was just as much about mental preparation as it was about physical preparation. We always have to make sure that we know exactly what our goals are and how we are going to achieve them. Feeling good is all part of this, which is why we work closely with our teammates and coaches to ensure that we are not just in a competitive frame of mind, but also a positive frame of mind. The power of positive thinking is massively underrated and should always be a huge part of any training regime for a professional athlete, no matter what their sport. It's not just in competitions though – an award winning mind-set can have huge benefits in all areas of life."

FIT IT IN TO YOUR DAILY LIFE

"Exercise might seem like a daunting task sometimes, but our advice for anyone wanting to get fit is always just to get started and see what happens! There are so many different ways of keeping fit nowadays - and that doesn't mean joining a gym, if you don't want to. You could try keeping fit at home by doing exercises in your front room, running up the stairs rather than taking the lift, or even getting outdoors to be out in the fresh air and countryside walking the dog – Jason and I love doing that too. There are so many options, so it's just a matter of finding the thing that makes you the happiest."

SET SMALLER, ACHIEVABLE GOALS

"We believe in the power of goal setting and giving yourself challenges and targets to help you push yourself. It doesn't have to be anything huge like running a marathon. It's usually best to start off with more achievable goals and then to build up slowly. Having a target, means that when times get tough, you can always bring your thought back to that main goal to help motivate you and pull you through and you can keep coming back to that when times get hard!

"Don't worry if you're not very good when you first begin. It takes time to improve at something and see the benefits. The more committed you can be towards your goal, the quicker you will see those improvements and benefits. This could relate to cycling or our Invisalign treatment (Laura and Jason set themselves a goal of improving their smile before the next Olympic Games)."

MIX THINGS UP

"Doing the same kind of exercise each day won't help you to progress to your goals. Regular exercise is great but you need to mix it up wherever possible. If you go to the gym one day, go for a long walk the next, or try a yoga class. Training and fitness has to become a regular habit, but you can't let it become boring or you'll find yourself easily slipping off track."

2. GB Alpine Ski Racer and Buff Ambassador, Robert Poth

WORK OUT WITH OTHERS

"For both my dry land and ski training, I'm usually with friends, family or training partners. Training with others gives you that extra support and also a bit of friendly competition. Knowing you have someone to train with, and not wanting to let them down, is also a good incentive to get out and get on with training, especially when the weather isn't so favourable."

THINK ABOUT THE COMPETITION

"In alpine skiing, weather can be a huge factor in competing. Whether it's snowing or foggy, if it's still manageable to train, I will go out. The more you train in variable conditions, the more skilled you become as an athlete and competitor. It's important to remember this, especially if you are training for a specific event. To become successful at your sport, it's so important to believe in yourself and always have the will to work hard."

EAT RIGHT

"I don't have a specific diet but I'm always conscious of what I'm eating and putting into my body. The main thing I focus on is getting all the rights nutrients in my meals in order for me to perform to the best of my ability whether in the gym or on the mountain. It's important to always stay hydrated during physical activity, but if you're training in hot temperatures, make sure you are drinking plenty of water to replenish fluids lost through sweat."

3. Tonia Couch, British Olympic diver and Everyone Active ambassador

Photo credit: Clive Rose / Getty
Photo credit: Clive Rose / Getty

FIND YOUR SUPPORT

'I am very lucky to have incredible support from my coach Andy Banks. He is there through every long training hour and every competition (good or bad) to support me and keep me pushing on. I power through the tough times by envisaging my end goal – the blood, sweat and tears are always worth it in the end."

THINK ABOUT YOUR POST-WORKOUT GLOW

"I feel a great sense of satisfaction after a good training session, I can rest at home in the evening with a smile on my face knowing I am another step closer to achieving my goals."

VISUALISE TARGETS

"I will always write down my goals/ targets for the upcoming season and visualise where I want to be and how I'm going to get there. Everyday I can look at my goals and tick off every time I get a step closer which always motivates me to keep going."

IT'S OKAY IF GOALS ARE SCARY

'Step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself!"

*For more information about how Invisalign could help you achieve your goal of improved tooth alignment please visit www.invisalign.co.uk

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