Caroline Burckle, Sport Psychology Consultant and Mental Skills Coach
Caroline Burckle says winning a bronze medal in the 2008 Olympic Games in swimming was the most humbling experience of her life. It came after a lifelong pursuit of a single goal and taught her how fiercely chasing a vision can turn into reality. Today, she is a peak performance coach, providing customized physical, mental, and emotional health by design. She shares with us her routine as well as her philosophy on wellness.
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Personal Motto: Create.
Favorite Vegetable: Cucumbers
Favorite Exercise: HIIT training
Favorite way to Center: Yoga
Favorite Book: The Untethered Soul
What gets you out of bed every morning?
First, coffee. Then exercise. I find it very unnatural to begin my day without moving. I enjoy all types of exercise, but I always start my morning with movement.
What about your routine is unique?
In my workouts, I make a point to keep my body guessing. I love to create art out of workouts. My basic routine remains the same, but the artwork inside changes from day to day. It’s important to have routines and structure but to allow for creativity within that structure.
What’s the most important part of your daily routine?
Shutting down at night for “me” time has become a critical component to my wellness. After 7 pm, I completely stop working and relax. I call it “Caro” time and cherish the time to relax and recharge. I’ve found that it gives me a huge benefit towards a beautiful night’s sleep and physical recovery.
How do you unwind at the end of the day?
Before bedtime, I start by turning all devices off. I either read or meditate to relax. I like to lie on the floor with foam rollers and do some stretching. Or, I will do savasana, which somehow helps me relax and wind down.
Please share your top beauty and wellness habit.
Coconut oil, undoubtedly. I use it both internally and externally. I find that simplicity is best in health and beauty.
Have you ever been stuck in an unhealthy cycle? How did you break it?
There have been times in my life where I’ve let stress get the best of me. I lost too much weight due to stress, deprived myself of happiness, and depleted my body. I used to beat myself up over things out of my control. I try not to do that anymore. My solution to the stressors of life is self-love. That and learning to say no. When I learned to say no, it changed my world.
What is the best piece of health advice you’ve ever received?
That you only get one body and it’s your only place you have to live, so you must invest in your body. You can replace any material items, but you can never replace your body, so you should treat yourself with care and love.
What’s your health advice?
If I could give any advice on health and fitness, it would be that a body in motion stays in motion. It’s so important to move, recover, and continue to move.
Caroline Burckle is an Olympic Medalist, Sports Psychology Consultant and Mental Skills Coach.