Lindsey Vonn Says This Morning Hack Improves Her Mood All Day

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Yep, U.S. Olympic gold medalist and World Cup Champion Lindsey Vonn is a badass. In case you missed it, Lindsey, 36, pretty much dominated the realm of global competitive skiing for years. And even though she’s retired from the sport, she’s still killing it as both an entrepreneur and business owner now, too.

Her latest project is a partnership with Project Rock x Under Armour, the athleticwear collection created by Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock. Lindsey gave team Women’s Health all the details about the new Project Rock sportswear line. And she dove deep when it comes to living its motto, “Strength Is A State of Mind.”

Even though Lindsey is an accomplished athlete, she still suffers from her own set of mental health ups and downs, just like the rest of us. (Take, for example, a recent breakup with NHL star P.K. Subban.)

How does she cultivate mental toughness and maintain a strong state of mind amidst life’s hardships? “Mentally, I just like pushing myself,” Vonn tells Women’s Health. “I like feeling strong, and when I feel physically strong, I feel so much more mentally strong. When I work out, I feel like I'm healthier and more confident. I've achieved something, no matter how small.” And TBH, this sentiment probably resonates with sweat-lovers everywhere.

Keep scrolling to learn all about Lindsey Vonn’s routine for staying mentally (and physically) strong.

She’s got her own back.

Lindsey’s marriage to her ex-husband, Thomas Vonn, ended in 2013, during one of the most successful moments in her skiing career. “I had probably the best season of my career in 2012 to 2013, right after my divorce,” Lindsey explains.

That said, she didn’t let the events going on in her personal life stop her from achieving greatness. “I just had to really rely more on myself and find that mental toughness," she adds. "I had to not rely on anyone, and that gave me a lot of strength and confidence going forward.” Noted.

Lindsey takes her stress out at the gym.

“I've always found a lot of mental strength and confidence through working out, especially since I've retired from skiing,” Lindsey explains. And without the competitive outlet of sports, Lindsey has found new ways to challenge her limits. “Finding ways to push myself in the gym has given me a lot of comfort and general confidence,” she explains. “Working out was definitely my rock throughout the pandemic, too.”

She prioritizes morning workouts.

Lindsey always makes sure she can work out first thing in the morning. “Exercise is one of the most important things in my life,” Vonn says. “That's always the best way to start my day. I just am more productive and more positive, in a much better mental headspace.” One of her staple workouts? A 30-minute bike ride in front of the TV, where she’ll get her heart rate up while also catching up on the morning news.

In the evenings, Lindsey makes time to wind down.

Even though she’s an Olympian, Lindsey’s EOD relaxation routine is pretty down-to-earth: “I like to watch Law and Order and have some Ben and Jerry’s. That’s always a reset button for me, especially if I’m stressed or it’s just not a good day.” (Um, same!)

To top off her night, she journals in her notebook for daily reflection. She also lists the tasks she’d like to accomplish the following day to set her mind straight before going to sleep. “I'm a very goal-oriented person, so the more I can make a tangible expectation for myself, the better I feel. I like accomplishing things, so even if it's small, even just taking the trash out, I can check that off.” It’s the little things, you guys.

The right fitness gear makes all the difference.

“Project Rock is a lifestyle,” says Vonn. “I love the gear, especially the shoes, which are the highlight for me. I’ve always struggled with finding shoes that I can lift weights in but also do lateral movements, cutting, or lungeing.” Lindsey says the line is “classic,” and that she basically lives in it every single day. (Like many, sweatshirts and sweatpants are her wardrobe staples in 2021.)

Project Rock Terry Hoodie

Project Rock Crossback Mid Sports Bra

Project Rock Ankle Leggings

Project Rock 3 Training Shoes

“Even though I’m not competing anymore, I don’t want to be in the gym with inferior products,” Vonn explains. “I work out hard, I sweat a lot. I want to look good in the gym and wear items that allow me to have the best performance.” And Project Rock’s emphasis on mental strength really resonates with her: “I always feel motivated by what Project Rock represents, and I try to embody that in my everyday life,” Vonn says. You love to see it.

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