Rebecca Adlington's best ever diet and fitness tips

She's an Olympic gold medallist who has broken world records – so when Rebecca Adlington shares her fitness tips, you listen. We take a look through the swimmer's best ever advice when it comes to health and exercise - click through for the full list…

Focus on short term goals

"Every session you have a goal – to hit those splits, or to complete the distances. It's all short term," she told the Guardian. "As an athlete we never really think that long term – what I'm doing now, this week, or for those trials in two months. It's too risky as you could get injured or ill, so don't think further ahead. Think about the process and not the outcome."

Workout sessions don't need to be long

"Shorter regular sessions are less of a chore and are easier to fit into a busy schedule. It'll soon become a habit, like walking the dog," the Olympic champion said in an interview with the NHS.

Stay motivated by changing up your routine

"Mix it up. Variation is the best way to stop you getting bored of training," she told Men's Health. "Also, I never do my workouts alone. You always do more when you're with someone, so bring a friend or get a PT."

Relax after working out

"I think, mentally as well as physically, for me it’s really nice at the end of a workout that you have a 10-minute chill. I think a lot of people finish what they’re doing and then leave the gym, and I think you’ve probably still got quite a bit of adrenaline rushing round your body," she told Women's Health.

Make sure to stretch

"Stretching's very important – I stretch after swimming. The day after a hard workout, I'd suggest going for a walk, to get the muscles loose," she advised in You and Your Wedding.

Don't be too strict on yourself

"I tend to indulge on weekends. I think everyone deserves a little treat," she told Men's Health.

Try and stay active every day

"I try and do three sessions a week of fitness whether that’s going in the gym or going for a swim. I’m active day-to-day, just walking the dog, or going out with someone, things like that."