With the London 2012 Summer Olympic games in full gear, we look to some of the world’s ultimate fitness experts for fitness tips. While we many not train all day as our Olympian representatives do, we can still learn from them how they keep workouts fresh and interesting, what they fuel their bodies with for their workouts and competitions and how they keep themselves motivated.

Many Olympians suggest group workouts are the best way to keep up your motivation and enjoy the workout. Many suggest group classes at the gym. Classes such as weight training, similar to CrossFit, or yoga are some of the two-time Olympic medalist, Nancy Kerrigan’s favorites.

Documenting workouts on paper is highly suggested by Heather O’Reilly, a member of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team and two-time Olympic gold medalist. She believes that you can accomplish a much better workout when you plan what you are going to do. Afterwards you can see what you have completed and feel a real sense of accomplishment.

Kristi Yamaguchi, Olympic goal medalist, believes in the importance of scheduling workouts. She finds that with busy schedules finding different things to do instead of working out can be very easy. By scheduling your workouts you make it a priority in your day to make sure you fit in your daily exercise.

In regards to nutrition, Lauren Wenger, a current member of the U.S. Water Polo National Women’s Team, believes that boring is okay. If you have a healthy breakfast that you always eat and it works, there isn’t any reason to change it. If you find something that works, great! This approach may not be right for everyone but it works for her. I’d suggest you step outside of your box as you might find something else that works and can eliminate boredom.

Heather O’Reilly also suggests the importance and benefit to staying hydrated. Keeping yourself hydrated can help you stay energized. You’ll drink more water when you carry around a water bottle, it will help to remind you.

Olympians have some great fitness tips for those of us who don’t train all day long, all year long. We can all be inspired by their motivation, determination and persistence in the goal towards gold and fitness.

Melissa Gerharter MS, RD, CSSD is co-owner of Joust Strength and Fitness of Ann Arbor. She is also a part-time lecturer at Eastern Michigan University. She can be reached at melissa@joustfitness.com.