The athletes striving for gold medals at the 2012 Olympic Games might be making an impact on fitness levels and waistlines in Green Country.
One viewer told FOX23 the Olympic Games makes them, "more aware of fitness and eating healthy" and is an inspiration to get moving and eat right.
Another viewer, Betsy Lawson of Sand Springs, called Michael Phelps the epitome of great shape. She has had her eyes glued to the television to watch swimming, diving and gymnastics.
"I'm in awe of their discipline, how well they must eat to be in that top shape to be able to do that," Betsy said.
Betsy said the Olympics have helped launch her and her family on a health kick. She said they have been skipping fast food restaurants and filling up on healthier options. "We just feel better," Betsy said.
Betsy said the Olympic athletes serve as role models in the realm of fitness and personal goal setting. "From the minute they wake up, to the minute they go to bed they have to be on a rigid tight schedule," Betsy said. "I think its inspiring I think it helps everybody."
Health experts have said that getting the body you want, even if you are an Olympian, is a two pronged approach.
"You have to clean up your diet and clean up your exercise plan," said Exercise Physiologist at Hillcrest Fitness Center, Jessica Smith.
Smith said that she is pleasantly surprised to see a new kind of motivation around Green Country but that people need to have a plan in place before they start a new fitness regime.
"It won't happen overnight but you can work towards it," said Smith. "Those athletes didn't hop out of bed and decide they were going to the Olympics." Smith said a buddy system is a great way to stay accountable at the gym. She suggested focusing on duration workouts and add intensity when your body becomes accustomed to the workouts.
"Alot of people get injuries because they start off way to hard on themselves and wind up with joint injuries," said Smith.
Smith reiterated that setting small and realistic goals are the keys to sustaining a long term lifestyle change.
Betsy might never make it to the Olympics but she is earning her own kind of gold, her health.
"You've got to start somewhere," said Betsy.
