Olympic-level abs (and tomfoolery) by skeleton racer John Daly and bobsledder Steven Langton.
Like a lot of you, we've been following the 2018 Winter Olympics. And there's been a lot to like so far—the US's first gold of the Games was won by a teen who overslept and said "fuck" on live TV, there's the always entertaining Adam Rippon, as well as the phenomenal Chloe Kim, who won her gold while live-tweeting and listening to "MotorSport." One thing is clear, Team USA is full of unique athletes that are worth a follow.
We've been following a slew of US Olympians on social media lately and then it hit us: there's a huge amount inspiration here. Lessons in perseverance and the preparation it takes to be at the top of your game. Not to mention, some damn good training advice. Who better to learn from than the world's top athletes? After scrolling through our favorite accounts, we pulled three of the exercises we saw the most—powerful moves that tend to work the core and lower body. Honestly, we saw a lot of squats. Why? Because they work your body's largest muscles, improve flexibility and your overall workout efficiency for proven results. Consider these elite Olympians your digital personal trainers. They provide the inspiration and proper form. Just flick through their accounts, save the exercises you want to attempt and then fire up your phone at the gym.
The Athlete
Chris Mazdzer,
Luge
@mazdzer
The Exercise
Weighted side plank
Despite looking like they're just sliding down a treacherous track, the luge requires an athlete to drive the sled with almost imperceptible movements of his or her entire body. This total-body exercise is also great for working your hips, glutes and shoulders. "Sometimes it comes down to the little things and attention to detail," says the newly-minted silver medalist. Using a light, but challenging weight, hold for 30 seconds on each side, resting 30 seconds in between. Do 3 to 5 sets per side. Make your core work even harder by raising your top leg.
The Athlete
Nate Weber, Bobsled
@nateweberactual
The Exercise
Barbell back squat
Never mind the intimidating amount of weight this Olympian and Green Beret has racked up on his barbell. Start with a weight that's comfortable for you (or just the bar itself). With feet shoulder-width apart and the barbell just touching the top of your back, push your hips back and bend your knees to drop down low. Keep your back straight and look forward. This forces you to tense your abs as if you were about to take a punch, except instead of a fist putting tension on your abs, it's the barbell.
The Athlete
Nick Gaper, Freestyle Skiing
@nickgaper
The Exercise
Pistol squat
Gaper's an extreme skier, so he's preforming the extreme version of this squat—on a wobbling indo board. The benefit of this one-legged squat is that it builds mobility, flexibility and stability, giving you the strength to boost all other lower body exercises. Raise one foot off the floor and descend into a squat, extending the non-active leg forward. Extend arms in front of the body to assist with balance. Lower yourself slowly, paying close attention to balance and proper movement mechanics, going as far as your flexibility allows. At the bottom, your hamstring should rest on your calf and your other leg should be straight out in front of you. Return to the start by extending through the hips and knee, driving through the heel of your working foot.
The number of condoms the PyeongChang organizers are handing out at the athlete's village—a new record for the winter games.