Fitness is a battlefield. There are endless obstacles, excuses, and enemies out there, all giving you an excuse to give up and move on.

But the true warriors persevere. They know these challenges are the key to rising to the top. They face opposition head-on, growing stronger and stronger each day.

Most of all? They know fitness is just as much of a test of mental strength.

Want to train like an athlete and reach your goals, no matter the obstacles ahead? Look no further than the advice of professional athletes themselves.

The stats are clear: The chance of becoming a pro athlete is 0.00075% — about the same as getting struck by lightning. They were once told their dreams were impossible.

But with mindset shifts, consistent habits, and pure grit, they make it happen. These individuals have dedicated their lives to achieving peak physical performance. And their insights and tips can help you do the same.

7 Secret Shifts to Help You Train Like an Athlete

Here are 7 secrets from professional athletes to help take your fitness routine to the next level, whether on the field, at the gym, or with your home gym setup:

• Secret #1: Goal-Setting isn’t a One-Time Event.

“Set realistic goals, keep re-evaluating, and be consistent.” — Venus Williams.

Athletes are constantly setting and re-evaluating their goals. And so should you. Train like an athlete by setting specific and achievable targets for yourself, whether it’s to complete a 5K or deadlift a new personal best.

If you’re not seeing progress, make a change. Regularly assess your progress and adjust your goals as necessary. Without goals to work towards, making progress and staying motivated is difficult.

• Secret #2: Want to Grow? Find Momentum.

“My work, my goal, my life, it’s like a treadmill. And there’s no stop button on my treadmill. Once I get on, I just keep going.” — Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Athletes don’t achieve their goals by taking it easy. They find momentum and work tirelessly towards their objectives.

As they say, ‘An object in motion stays in motion.’ Use this same philosophy in your own workouts, whether at the gym or with your home gym setup. Once you start, don’t stop until you’ve hit your target.

Train like an athlete by pushing yourself to go further, faster, and higher each day. With momentum, you’ll surprise yourself with what you can accomplish.

• Secret #3: Humility is a Strength.

“My greatest skill was being teachable. I was like a sponge. Even if I thought my coaches were wrong, I tried to listen and learn something.” — Michael Jordan.

Truly successful athletes recognize that they aren’t perfect.

Train like an athlete by finding a lesson in every workout. Be open to feedback and willing to make changes in your training routine.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek out experts in the field to guide you. The more you can learn and improve, the better your performance will be in the long run.

Yes, you don’t have the resources of a pro athlete. But don’t let that stop you.

Don’t let a lack of equipment hold you back. With a home gym setup, you can train like a pro from the comfort of your own home. Start with the basics: A set of dumbbells, a resistance band, and a jump rope – and you’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish.

• Secret #4: Slow and Steady Wins the Race.

“It’s going to be a journey. It’s not a sprint to get in shape.” — Kerri Walsh Jennings.

Although athletes might push their limits during competitions, their training is often slow and steady to build strength and avoid injury.

Take the same approach in your workouts. Don’t compare yourself to the person next to you. Don’t do too much too soon to avoid burnout or setbacks. Instead, work gradually towards your goals, building strength and endurance over time.

• Secret #5: It’s Not Just About Exercise.

“The best abs exercise is ‘5 sets of stop eating so much crap.’” — Lazar Angelov.

While workouts are important, they are only one part of the fitness equation.

Nutrition is equally important. Train like an athlete by taking in the whole picture. Your diet should be fueling your workouts and helping your muscles recover. Focus on a diet rich in whole foods, lean protein, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and quality vitamin supplements.

• Secret #6: A Strong Body Requires a Strong Mind.

“If you turn up worrying about how you’re going to perform, you’ve already lost. Train hard, turn up, run your best, and the rest will take care of itself.” – Usain Bolt.

Want to be physically strong? Get mentally strong.

Athletes like Usain Bolt know that training your mind is crucial to success.

To train like an athlete is a physical and mental workout. Visualize yourself achieving your goals.

Pro Tip: Find a word, theme, or phrase that motivates you, even when things get tough. Showcase your motto in your home gym setup, where you’ll see it each day.

• Secret #7: Discipline Beats Motivation.

“I hate every minute of training. But I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.’” – Muhammad Ali.

Motivation is great — but it won’t always be there.

If you rely solely on motivation to get you through your workouts, there will always be an excuse to bail.

It’s discipline that will ultimately bring you success. Even on days when you don’t feel like working out, train like an athlete, counting on discipline to push yourself to do it anyway.

Train Like an Athlete: Ready, Set, Go.

Ready to win your workout? It’s time to take action. Train like an athlete and build the physique you’ve always wanted. Create a home gym setup that ensures there are zero excuses to keep moving. With hard work, discipline, and these secrets from professional athletes, you’ll reach your fitness goals in no time.