CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO CHANGE YOURSELF: THREE STEPS TO GET MOTIVATED

By Jillian Curwin
Edited by Priya Philip

​Every two years the entire world gathers around the television to watch in awe as Olympic athletes make history. While we marvel at their continuous feats of athleticism, we can't help but wonder how the human body is able to achieve so much. Personally, I watch while wondering about their journey to Olympic glory. I assumed that Olympians follow a training regimen that is impossible for us mere mortals to comprehend. That their workouts consisted of exercises I could barely pronounce let alone perform. And then I stumbled upon an article posted on health and fitness blog Jen Reviews. 
 
Nick Catlin, a two-time British Olympian and member of the editorial team for Jen Reviews, shows us mortals that we can train like Olympians. He offers video demonstrations and clear descriptions in his most recent article titled “30 Best Ab Workouts, According to a Two-Time Olympian.” Guys, check him out! After reading his article, I now have 30 new exercises to add to my workouts!

You’re probably wondering who inspires me. So, below are just a few of my favorite athletes and influencers who inspire me on a daily to reach my Olympic potential. 

1. Emily Samuel, @emilyy_fitness- trainer at The Dogpound, owner of Body By Emily 
2. Tiler Peck, @tilerpeck- principal dancer at New York City Ballet 
3. Allison Warrell, @allieqdub- fitness influencer, trainer on the TLC show Big & Little 
4. Alexandra Raisman, @alyraisman- Two time medal-winning Olympic gymnast 
5. Sophia Herzog, @sophiaherzog- Medal-winning Paralympic Swimmer

I’m a little person (literally), meaning I have shorter arms and legs supporting an average-sized body. Growing up, my doctors informed my parents that I would not have a flat stomach. After all, my organs must fit somewhere. This information has done little to deter me. My motto in life is “height is just a number, not a limit.” It means if I want to work for that six pack, I can, and I will! So, how do I motivate myself to do what most doctors would say is impossible? I follow these three simple steps.
 

3 Steps to Get Motivated 

1. Set a goal- think big, the mind has no limits, and neither should your goals 
2. Make a plan- prioritize what’s most important and break it down into simple steps 
3. Get moving- work for it, your goal isn’t going to get accomplished just because you want it to. Work hard, play hard!

 
Although I may never be an Olympian like Mr. Catlin, that doesn’t hold me back from training like one. So, with September around the corner, I am challenging myself to complete Nick Catlin’s 30 best ab workouts. 30 days and 30 exercises. I say, bring it on! Who's with me?

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https://www.jenreviews.com/best-ab-workouts/