The Olympic Spirit

Many of us have been reeled into watching in awe as athletes from around the world compete in the Summer Olympics in Beijing. It's amazing to think of how much time, training, and preparation each Olympian has invested for their chance to prove that they're the best.

How many times as a kid did you watch the Games and throughout the day and evening pretend that you were an Olympian and try to imitate what you saw on tv? Take some of that childhood imagination and translate that into an inspiration to kick up your own fitness routine by trying an Olympic sport!

Get fired up and pick your sport of the day/week! Here are some ideas that I've given a go in the past. Share your thoughts on some of your favorites!

• Give basketball a go by shooting hoops at your local park or playground
  
• Put on the turbo burners and insert some sprints into your jog
• Find out if the pool/water park in your neighborhood offers special times for adult lap swim, or "walking against the current" (where they shut down the lazy river and open it up to walkers who either walk with or against the current - super fun!)
• Get the flexibility and strength of a gymnast by trying a yoga or pilates class

You can go at it solo or bring in the spirit of competition by asking your friends and family members to join in on the fun! Ask your neighbor join you at the net to play tennis or volleyball with you. Or, check out back-to-school specials at your local martial arts studio and find out about different programs where both you and your kids can learn an art and be physically active.

Go for the gold!