The Next Olympian Could Be From Your Gym (or You)
Send Us a Video and Tell Us Why

The next time you are sweating away on the elliptical machine or steadily walking up the incline on the treadmill, look around.  The next Olympian could be running right next to you.These are the thoughts that crept through my mind this morning. 

I’m trying to switch my workouts to the mornings, leaving the rest of my day open and ready to roll.  Did I mention that my gym is literally at the base of  my building?  I have no excuse to NOT get up early, throw on the running shoes and go on my merry way with exercise regimen.  When I finally do enter the gym doors, things change.  It’s 6:30 in the morning and the gym is buzzing with dedicated athletes working out in unison.

I belong to the Fitness Formula Clubs family of gyms.  I’m a fan of the built-in TV/exercise machine combo, but there are times when I don’t feel like watching the morning’s talking heads or reality starts trying to get famous. That’s when I look around. I see people conducting sprint drills on treadmills.  I also see groups of friends and amateur athletes spot one another while lifting weights.  More importantly, I see some of the most athletic people around and wonder, “Are you training for a race? A competition? The Olympic and Paralympic Games?”

For all you daily gym goers, here is your challenge.  Make a video about your or someone else’s daily workout regimen and why you think Chicago should host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.  The Chicago 2016 is handing out terrific prizes for you efforts, including a trip to go behind the scenes at the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Vancouver.

Good luck - see you at the gym!