Given all the advice, tips, hacks and plans that are available, many people fail to start (or stay in) a sport, exercise regime or a more healthy style of eating because they are afraid of doing something wrong. For example, the simple task of finding the right pair of running shoes, warm-up routine, swim goggles or pre-workout snack can feel overwhelming.
Most of the time, the best way to minimize information overload is to focus on the most simple path to get you started, keep you healthy and to maintain consistency. There's no one-size-fits all when it comes to what will work (or not work) for your health, training and fitness journey. While it's great to learn, always listen to your body and figure out what works best for you.
As part of our event "Triathlon Night," each expert had an opportunity to share their top tip related to their area of expertise. I wanted to share a few simple, practical and realistic tips that I heard from the experts in our Greenville community:
- Don't expect or look for quick fixes.
- Never neglect sleep. This is where growth happens.
- Don't diet. Eat right and give your body what it needs to perform.
- Don't neglect your mental and physical health while training for a triathlon.
- Keep up with prehab. Regular massage therapist or PT work should be part of your regime. Don't wait until you are injured to start treating your body.
- Make time for strength training - especially core strength. A strong body performs well.
- Work on your breathing and movement patterns - many triathletes don't know how to breath properly or to move efficiently.
- Keep the sport fun. If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a step back and remember why you started.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help. Invest into a team of experts to keep you on your path.
- Your bike fit and shoe choice should be unique to your body - not based on what other athletes are using.