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Few football fans wouldn't enjoy watching Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo in full flow. The 30-year-old Portuguese is widely regarded as the best footballer in the world today along with Barcelona forward and rival Lionel Messi and expectedly has a massive fan following from across the globe.But have you ever thought what goes behind making the fantastic striker that he is?Here are 15 points stated by Ronaldo himself while speaking to Eurosport that have helped become the footballer that he is today.
#1 Follow your routine strictly
Ronaldo feels that mental strength is as critical as physical power and staying fit mentally will go a long way in helping one achieve his/her goals. The star striker adds that discipline is a very important component to do well in any field and following one's routine strictly is essential.
He also feels that one needs to set goals as it helps to maintain focus and also provides you with a reason to put in the hard yards. He further advises everyone to train along with someone as it gets those competitive juices flowing within you and also regards sufficient sleep as a key factor to help the muscles recover after a long day on the ground.
1. Learn to train your mind as well as your body. Mental strength is just as important as physical strength and will help you achieve your goals.
2. Be disciplined. Keeping yourself motivated and sticking to your routine is key. For me, there is no room for easing off so I have to be strict.
3. Set yourself goals. It will help to keep you focused and work towards something.
4. Working with a training partner is a good way to add a bit of competitiveness and help push yourself. If you train with someone who is a similar level to you then you will help push each other.
5. Proper sleep is really important for getting the most out of training. I go to bed early and get up early, especially before matches. Sleep helps muscles recover which is really important.
#2 Combine two or more training methods
The 30-year-old recommends warming up activities like few runs of the ground before starting training as it helps prevent injury. He also provides a few alternatives like jogging, cycling etc.
Ronaldo also feels that combining two or more training methods can help you to strengthen all parts of the body. He also urges everyone to maintain a high-level of intensity in their training sessions as it helps in maintaining high stamina levels.
He also feels that cardio sessions are important as they further help build stamina and endurance levels and also helps one remain lean. He further urges everyone to fit in exercises whenever possible.
6. Warming up properly prevents injury. In training we do a few laps of the pitch, stretching and cardio warm up exercises. Make sure you do something similar in your training, even if it is jogging to the gym or a warm up on the treadmill or bicycle.
7. Mix it up. I recommend a combination of cardio (running and rowing) and weight training to ensure that workouts target all areas of the body and increase both strength and stamina. It also helps to keep it interesting.
8. High intensity is important to get your blood pumping and to increase stamina. We do a lot of sprinting drills in training and they can be incorporated into your workout whether you are in the gym or outdoors. Try and add it to every workout you do.
9. Cardio sessions are also key for building up endurance and stamina, and to stay trim. Try to do periods of around 30 minutes, increasing the number of sessions as you get stronger.
10. Fit in exercise wherever you can. You can do an abs workout in your bedroom when you wake up in the morning or before you go to bed. If you get into a routine then it makes it easier as it will become a habit.
#3 Family time is priceless, so don\'t forget to enjoy being around your loved ones
The three-time Ballon d'Or winner also eats a diet that includes fruits, vegetables and tries to avoid dishes that have a lot of sweet. He also recommends drinking a lot of water in order to remain hydrated.
The Portuguese also suggests that one should eat regularly in order to keep high energy levels and says that he has 6 small meals each day.
Ronaldo also adds that listening to good music helps him remain motivated and bring his best out on the pitch. The forward concludes by saying that it is important to switch off and spend time with friends and families as well since that helps you remain positive.
11. A good workout must be combined with a good diet. I eat a high protein diet, with lots of whole grain carbs, fruit and vegetables and avoid sugary foods. I love fish, especially the Portuguese dish bacalhau à braz, and at restaurants I’ll order a steak with salad.
12. Make sure you stay hydrated. Drinking water is so important. I also avoid alcohol.
13. Eat regularly. If you train regularly it’s important to keep energy levels high to fuel your body for better performance. I sometimes eat up to 6 smaller meals a day to make sure I have enough energy to perform each session at top level.
14. I always make sure I have good music to listen to. It helps you zone out, get motivated and do your best. I like to listen to hip-hop and reggaeton.
15. Relax. Training and physical sessions are most important, but living a relaxed lifestyle helps you to be the best you can be, physically and mentally. I spend my free time with family and friends, which keeps me relaxed and in a positive mindset.
