11 Fascinating Fitness Lessons We Can Take From Successful Sports Stars

If you're looking to get in shape and start a fitness regimen, take a look at what some of the World's top athletes have to say first.

We've pulled together interesting pieces from 11 successful sports stars in order to give you an idea as to what you should be doing to improve your fitness.

All of them won't apply to you, and some of them contradict others, but that's the point. Fitness and health isn't the same for everyone, it's up to you to figure our what works best for you, but if you're going to take some advice on board then it may as well be from the best of the best.

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson

Work out alone, so nobody can judge you but you.

Always asked "What's a key to success?". One of the things is the willingness to put in the hard work.. when you're alone. Everyone works hard when eyes are on them. Boss watching, teachers, trainers, co-workers etc. Pushing yourself past your limits and working extremely hard when no one is watching is what makes all the difference in the world and sets you up for success. Best thing about being alone is that no one can judge you.. but you. (and the one taking the pic;) #OutHustleTheWorld #AndAlwaysBeTheHardestWorkerInTheRoom #AndMakeRidiculousWorkoutFaces

A photo posted by therock (@therock) on Aug 26, 2015 at 11:43am PDT

Conor McGregor

Stretch, first thing every morning.

I learned a lot more about how important balance is, how important control of the body is. From the moment I open my eyes, I'm trying to free my body. I'm trying to get looser, more flexible, to gain control. Movement is medicine to me.

Look at your dog. We're the only animal that wakes up and doesn't stretch. Wake up and stretch. Start there.

[Source]

Rory McIlroy

Find "total-body" workouts that suit you, and incorporate them into your routine.

Total-body exercises like the deadlift are an essential part of McIlroy’s regimen. He carries an entire year’s worth of workouts on his phone, and is in the gym nearly every day.

[Source]

JJ Watt

You don't need heavy lifting to build muscle, work on your explosiveness.

We knew that Watt works hard - all day apparently, but this 90 minute workout is insane.

The thing is though - there's no heavy lifting here. No 500-pound squats, and certainly no 600-pound deadlifts.

This is Watt working on his explosive power, flexibility, and speed work, and there is no reason why you couldn't take at least one exercise away from this two-minute sped up version of his 90-minute workout.

[Source]

Usain Bolt

Core strength is absolutely vital.

I work on this a lot — it’s vitally important. I do a few exercises on my core in training, but in addition three times per week at home I do one hour strictly on abs and back work – a variety of lots of exercises. I do it mainly because it makes my sixpack look pretty good! I can’t really complain about it.

[Source]

Ronda Rousey

If weights aren't your thing, find alternatives.

Typically I have two to three workouts a day, and they could include wrestling, striking, boxing, running up sand dunes, grappling, strength and conditioning, judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, swimming. And I actually don’t lift any weights at all. Every muscle people see on my body is for a task. Whenever I want to be able to do a certain move or action, I put the work in until I can. And to be honest, I’ve never enjoyed weightlifting because there’s no problem solving. With fighting I’m solving a problem, so I don’t think about being tired.

[Source]

Cristiano Ronaldo

Mental strength is just as important as physical strength.

Learn to train your mind as well as your body. Mental strength is just as important as physical strength and will help you achieve your goals.

Be disciplined. Keeping yourself motivated and sticking to your routine is key. For me, there is no room for easing off so I have to be strict. Set yourself goals, It will help to keep you focused and work towards something.

Proper sleep is really important for getting the most out of training. I go to bed early and get up early, especially before matches. Sleep helps muscles recover which is really important.

[Source]

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Don't get caught up in what others are doing.


[Source]

Katie Taylor

Mix things up with a heavy running session.

I use the running track in Charlesland, which is in Greystones, Co Wicklow, or even Bray Head; a heavy running session is quite different and helps mix it up.

I have good variety in my training so I try to blend it as much as possible. This is very important as it stops you becoming bored and keeps you fresh.

[Source]

Dan Carter

Eat well, and have a smoothie after training.

Nutrition is a huge part of healthy living, and being able to train most days. It's a great tool for recovery. If you want to train a lot, you have to eat well. I love eating organic, fresh foods. I love having a smoothie after training as well.

For more great training tips visit Avonmore Protein Milk’s training hub here. 

[Source]

Yogi Berra

'If there's a fork in the road, take it.'

Rumour has it that the legendary baseball player was actually giving directions to his house because it was situated where to roads met but that quote also serves as some brilliant life advice.

Grab life by the cajones and commit!

For more great training tips visit Avonmore Protein Milk’s training hub here.