How can we judge the best athletes in the world? On this Quick Fit Tip edition of All About Fitness I talk about what it takes to be the world’s best athlete and what that means for your personal exercise program.
CrossFit positions itself as the sport of fitness. Ironman Triathlons and Ultradistance events challenge individuals to use their own energy to travel for more than 100 kilometers during a single competition. Endurance athletes, as well as CrossFit competitors, can be extremely fit and well conditioned, but these sports are based on cyclic, repetitive actions that don't require reacting to an opponent’s movements. Having the cognitive ability, speed, agility, strength, power and stamina to react to — or anticipate — an opponent’s movement can significantly elevate the demands of a competition.
Extreme sport athletes like big wave surfers, free climbers and mountain bikers have incredible skills and risk their lives for the love of their sports but may not always have attributes of endurance, strength and power required to truly be considered the best in the world.
My personal vote for the best athletes in the world may surprise you. Keep in mind that an extremely important component of athleticism is reaction - how do you react to a constantly changing environment or opponent? it’s one thing to be able to run an incredible distance or lift a tremendous amount of weight but in most of those competitions there is no reaction to the movements of an opponent trying to get the best of you.
You can learn from some of the best athletes in the world how to make your workout program more comprehensive so that you not only improve your overall fitness but have more fun in the process.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on who are the fittest athletes; Tweet your thoughts to me: @PeteMc_fitness
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