Of course, many people end up completely losing their motivation before they even have time to think about that new bikini or how their arms are going to look in their sleeveless shirt. Sometimes it's a good idea to take inspiration for the people that seem to have it all in hand, like professional athletes that have turned their passion for exercise into a career. Even if you're not an athlete, there's no reason that you can't take a page from their book when it comes to your own health and fitness. As professional athletes, it's in their best interest to keep their bodies running at the optimum level of fitness. Load up on calories Fitness and weight loss often go together, but aren't technically the same thing. If you want to lose weight then it's important that you're putting enough calories in your body to live well but that you're exercising enough to burn off excess fat. Carbohydrates fuel athletes and should be a staple of any serious fitness enthusiasts diet, so be sure to eat plenty of breads, cereals, fruit and pasta. Use Supplements Like anything, this should be done within reason, but natural sports supplement powders can be a great way to give your body the boost it needs. There are various types of supplements available to buy from health stores like SS Health Foods, all of which can benefit you in different ways. For example, L-Carnitine can help speed up the burning of fat, while whey protein can help your body to recover faster after exercise. Drink Fluids Keeping yourself properly hydrated is incredibly important; failing to do so can negatively impact on your workout and progress. Any athlete worth their salt knows the importance of regularly drinking fluids, and it's also important that you drink even when you're not thirsty. Intense exercise makes you lose fluid quicker, and keeping yourself topped up in one of the best ways to stay in good health while exercising. Eat Proteins and Fats (Within Reason) Protein and fats are great for exercise, but it's also crucial to strike a fine balance between them in your diet. Protein is particularly good for building muscle, so if you're more focused on getting a leaner body then you might want to reduce your intake within reason. When it comes to fats, stick with the unsaturated kind in the form of nuts, vegetable oils and fatty fish like Salmon. If you're planning on exercising for a long period of time, your body will turn fat into energy, especially if your carb levels are running low, so be sure to take car in what kind of fats you eat. Some are good for you, others will simply slow you down. These are just some of the things that athletes do to succeed in their goals and stay in great shape. Why not try to incorporate some of these into your fitness routine and see if it helps?