J.R. Celski Reveals His Must-Do Olympic Training Moves

If you've ever seen the size of a speed skater's thighs, you know there has to be more than just daily workouts on the ice to get that way. U.S. speed skating Olympian, J.R. Celski, said it takes a great balance in nutrition, training on and off the ice, and mental discipline. And with many calling him the "next Apolo Ohno," he ought to know. While he was of course gunning for a gold this past Saturday, February 13, Celski was able to bring home a bronze medal for the U.S. in Men's 1500m Short Track.

Before Celski headed up to Vancouver for the Olympic Games, That's Fit had a chance to catch up with the 20-year-old Washington state native, who shared some of his training tips, weekly regimens and strength-building techniques.

That's Fit: How did you get into speed skating?
J.R. Celski: I started inline skating when I was three years old, but there is only so far you can go with that sport -- there is no inline skating in the Olympics. So, after watching Apolo Ohno in the 2002 Olympics when I was 12, I was inspired and intrigued by speed skating, and I've been doing it ever since.

TF: Who is your biggest competition in Vancouver?
J.R.: There are six or seven guys who are going to be tough on the Korean, Canadian and U.S. teams. My goal is to go for the gold -- that's been a dream of mine ever since I was a kid. I am going to go out there, take it all in and leave everything I have on the ice.

TF: With obvious strength like yours, what is your typical weekly training regimen?
J.R.: I train six days a week for six to eight hours a day. It's intense. Three or four hours is spent on the ice and the rest of the time is spent running, biking, weight training, doing coordination drills and stretching. The sauna is also a great recovery place for me.

TF: What's your number one secret for nutrition?
J.R.: A leafy green drink that I have after workouts. It contains barley greens, spinach and peas. It sounds weird, but it's actually pretty good! Plus it has a lot of protein, which I need.

TF: What's your one must-do move off the ice to build strength?
J.R.: Core work is essential. Speed skaters rely a lot on abdominal strength -- all athletes do really, but most people don't focus enough on this. My favorite move is the plank. I also do a lot of Russian twists, leg weights, stair work and up-down drills.

TF: What does it feel like to be a part of the Olympic Games?
J.R.: It's amazing. I'm excited to be representing my hometown, my family and the USA. I have a lot of people following me and the support is just incredible. Every time I step on the ice, I feel at home -- I'm always smiling out there. I hope to inspire others around the world to be better and live their dreams too.

Read about another Olympic skater who got fit with yoga!