Train like an Olympian: Dara Torres, swimming

Dara Torres is generating a lot of press as the oldest swimmer to compete in the Olympic games, but even at 41, her body and fitness level is better than most who end up in the pool with her. And though she works hard at her sport, she has to work out differently now than she did when she was younger.

With age, Dara found that she needed more recovery time between workouts. Where she used to swim 10 practices a week, she now swims less than half the distance. However, she does the same workouts as her teammates, with perfect form and enthusiasm.

Dara has considerable help in her training -- she has strength, sprint, and speed coaches, masseuses and chiropractors at her disposal. And while she does plenty of training in the pool, she says her "secret weapon" is resistance stretching. As far as strength training, her strength trainer, Andy O'Brien has changed her routine, moving away from heavy, static weightlifting and instead focusing on "balanced, dynamic exercises that stimulate her central nervous system." They use exercise balls for weightlifting, doing crunches, and cross-body pulls. All of this doesn't come cheap -- Dara has made plenty of money through modeling, motivational speaking, and TV work, and she spares no expense when it comes to keeping her body tuned up. And while most of us couldn't afford to have the help she gets, we can all pay close attention to what our bodies need, stretch well, and train hard.