Olympics inspire individuals to get in shape

The Olympics, summer or winter, inspire individuals to get off the couch and into the gym.

According to thatsfit.com, individuals who are and who are not physically fit incorporate Olympic events into their everyday workout.

"Watching Olympic speed skating while on the elliptical, or recording cross country skiing, will result in a more intense workout," the web site said.

When Michael Phelps won eight gold medals in the 2008 Summer Olympics, he inspired swimmers nationwide to go for the gold and strive for goals they had previously thought were too impossible to achieve.

According to myhero.com, Phelps has instilled confidence in young swimmers.

"Phelps teaches children that they should always try their best. Phelps never gives up in anything, he always keeps trying until he gets it right" it said.

Cullen Jones of the Unites States gold medal relay team, a teammate of Phelps, inspired African-Americans to strive for Olympic dreams when he became the first African-American to share a record.

According to gazette.net, Jones inspired Maryland teenager, Antonio Dashields, to push himself to limits when swimming.

"Jones is one of my favorite swimmers because he has achieved many things and he is the first African-American to have shared a record. He's also been starting programs to help African-American and Hispanic children learn to swim because, according to statistics, they are more likely to drown."

The Olympics also inspire students at Texas A&M University-Commerce to get in shape.

Morris Recreation Center (MRC) personal trainer Myranda Bille said the Olympics, winter and summer, strive her to work out her hardest and allow her to inspire her clients when working out.

"I love motivating people through sports," Bille said. "I think that the best way for people to get in shape is to see how Olympic athletes perform and how hard they train. When individuals see each other achieve their goals, it motivates them to follow their dream and be the best they can be."

The Olympics also motivate students who are not personal trainers.

"Sean White is the best snow boarder I have ever seen," senior special education major Aaron Kinney said. "He inspires me to become the best I can be at snowboarding and inspires me to work out to my full potential to achieve my goal."

According to Phelps no dream is too big.

"You can't put a limit on anything. The more you dream the farther you get," he said.