How are elite sportsmen and women training?

[Cismyfatarse1]

After reading about people running marathons in their back gardens and seeing ballet dancers on TV performing and exercising in their kitchens I wondered about the elite.

Anyone know.

Those who should be training for the Olympics etc. I assume wealthy footballers can work out at home but many Olympians are not wealthy and many must live in flats too.

NB I know nothing about this but am interested if anyone does.

I was reading an article today about a lot of elite cyclists using Zwift, so going for virtual rides with their bikes hooked up to a smart turbo-trainer and riding in the garage or wherever. I've got one and it's really hard though a lot better than just cycling in your garage!

Some have treadmills so can train at home - it's not so bad if you are a distance runner as you can go out anyway (though there was an article about a New Zealander who's an elite cyclist and decided to stay in Spain with his girlfriend so he can't go out, he is completely reliant on the turbo trainer and doing core work on the balcony and it would be the same if you were a runner).

Swimmers have been tying themselves to ropes and using paddling pools.

I saw one the young hurdlers had set something up in her garden.

That is interesting. Particularly about the swimmers.

I suppose it must be harder if you play a team sport or are a gymnast or do archery.

I mean it is hard for everyone but I can't imagine the frustration of not being able to train when that is your life.

Maybe they are secretly training in hidden training camps so we totally win all the medals next year....

Am I missing something @cologne4711? Swimmers tying themselves to ropes and using paddling pools?? What am I not getting?!

@Dizzywizz I thought the same thing!

My DS is not elite but a very competitive swimmer. We are doing the garden pool with rope trick.... Training without moving forwards.... Like a treadmill. OK, but blimming cold he says.

Dd is a cyclist and at the top end of primary school. She is having the time of her life riding on Zwift with various female pro cyclists at the moment. There is one who originally comes from the same club as her who keeps giving her “ride ons” which apparently is “the best thing that has ever happened to me ever!”

they are not training as they should hence the reason the olympics were cancelled. swimmers have not been in pools for months (fine if you have your own personal lap pool) for maintaining your skills but not useful at reaching your peak perfomance.

Here you are: twitter.com/jodiestimpson/status/1247561224696598530

I think there was a Dutch swimmer doing similar.

My son is an elite gymnast, his squad have a training programme of conditioning, stretching and strength work but no skills. So lots of physical training that’s easy to do at home without injury, sit ups, v sits, jogging on spot etc. then specific gym stuff like half lever, straddle lever, elephant lift, handstand turns. They want them to be stronger when they return to training, if they stop and spend the time sitting about it’ll be really hard work to get back to their current fitness levels.

He’s not supposed to be doing flicks or somersaults but he can fit some in on our trampoline so he’s still doing them. We have p bars and a mushroom pommel at home as well so he’s doing some basic training on those. His coach doesn’t want anyone doing anything that can result in a bad injury as insurance will not cover injuries at home only injuries in the gym.

Of the people I know - wheelchair racers are on the rollers at home, cyclists are all on the turbo (amazing who you see on Zwift, and teams are doing special sessions, so ds is joing Team Ineos tomorrow), runners using their one out a day very wisely, lots of strength and conditioning at home, some have treadmills, triathletes/outdoor swimmers are using tethered swimming in a paddling pool (which is hilarious), and a lot of people are having to do very tailored routines for strength/flexibility. The diving team routine is brutal!