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Workout motivation tips

We asked Emily Brydon and Clara Hughes, two Olympic athletes in the Team Visa Canada program, to share their top winter workout tips.

Karen Kwan


Workout motivation tips
We asked Emily Brydon and Clara Hughes, two Olympic athletes in the Team Visa Canada program, to share their top winter workout tips.
By Karen Kwan

Emily Brydon – Alpine Skiing


 
Emily Brydon – Alpine Skiing

Emily Brydon – Alpine Skiing
What makes you stick to your routine on those days you just aren’t feeling it?
For me, on those days that I just don’t feel like working out, I always remind myself that working out will make me feel better, both physically and mentally. There are times when you have to push through pain, lack of motivation and the blues in order to workout, but it’s also important to listen to your body and take a break if it is needed. If I’m finding myself unmotivated for multiple days in a row, I know that it’s time to change up the workouts a little, usually meaning that it is time to play outside.

How did you know when you’d had a breakthrough moment?
A breakthrough moment for me more often than not comes after times of struggle and hard work; just when you think that you can’t take anymore you have that breakthrough moment. The moment usually feels like things just got a lot easier or if I have been struggling with an exercise it all of a sudden comes together.

Favourite piece of winter workout gear and why?
Apart from my skis, my fave gear would be snowshoes. They allow me the freedom to explore the most beautiful and untracked places. More often than not a snowshoe outing will be one of adventure, beauty and a great workout; if I am feeling really energetic, I will run with them on but that endeavour usually ends in falling!

Favourite song that gets you going?
Music can be an important aspect to my workouts because it can give me a good boost of energy. When I am in need of some good tunes and rhythm I can always count on Mr. Gnarls Barkley.

Fave workout tool that you could not live without?
I would never go anywhere without a pair of running shoes; they can take you on any adventure! A close second would be my iPod shuffle; music always gets the body moving.

 
 
Clara Hughes – Speed Skating


 
Clara Hughes – Speed Skating

Clara Hughes – Speed Skating
What makes you stick to your routine on those days you just aren’t feeling it?
I always think about my competition on days when I’m not quite feeling like working out. I also think about how I will feel later in the day if I did not do my job, or work as hard as I could. No matter how unmotivated or tired I feel at the time, I’ll feel worse later!

How did you know when you’d had a breakthrough moment?
Breakthrough moments for me happen at the most unexpected times. Sometimes it’s during a race when I started the race feeling tired and let go of expectations and relaxed that I have a fantastic race. Or sometimes it’s in training when I have pushed beyond fatigue and found reserves that I did not know existed. Mostly, it’s when I’ve gone through rough patches and still found enjoyment in what I do. It’s the difficult times that have really brought me to newer and higher levels.

Favourite piece of winter workout gear and why?
I train indoors most of the time as a speed skater, so it’s not that cold. However, when I am riding or running to and from the oval, I would have to say a really warm hat and a neck gator. I hate being cold so I am most often over-dressed!

Favourite song that gets you going?
Welcome to the Jungle by Guns ‘n’ Roses.

Favourite aspect of your workout that you get a sense of accomplishment from and that keeps you going?
The longer, the harder and the more grueling usually means the most satisfying. I am a creature of endurance and really enjoy the struggle of endurance.

Fave workout tool that you could not live without?
My skates!

 

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