Anna Liukin, Nastia's mom and rhythmic gymnast, top 5 tips to staying fit:
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• Healthy diet. "We eat lots of vegetables and fruits and drink a lot of water. We love fresh juice, and we squeeze it ourselves at home. I always tell Nastia: 'Your body is like a car. The fuel you put in is the performance you will get.' "
• Exercise. "When she was small, we used to Rollerblade at the park a few times a week as a family. We also try to set a good example by doing our own individual exercises. My husband, he loves fly fishing. I enjoy jogging and Pilates and yoga."
• Rest. "We're all pretty good sleepers. And we never cut sleep time for anything. Even now when Nastia is on the road for the 2008 Tour of Gymnastics Superstars tour, she takes little naps in between shows."
• Listen to your body. "If something hurts, you need to take care of it right away. But we try to avoid medications unless necessary. First we try alternative methods like acupuncture or going to a chiropractor."
• Enjoy your life. "Even if you eat well and exercise and rest, if you are not happy, a big piece will be missing. Enjoy the moment. Don't forget to stop and smell the roses. If you want to have a cookie, have a cookie. Just don't have five and sit on the couch without exercising!"
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Chellsie Memmel doesn't seem to follow the first tip - health diet. According to a Bryant Gumbel interview this summer 2008, she eats fruit in the morning, chicken/fruit for lunch, and just fruit for dinner - the interview/documentary is posted here:
Dominique Moceanu on TV - July/August 2008 - Bryant Gumbel/U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame
Shawn Johnson talked about having a doughnut once on the Ellen show. She goes to public school, goes to football games, workouts 4 hours a day (versus others doing 2-a-days 6 hours a day), and looks to follow all these 5 tips.
I would substitute massage rather than chiropractor and acupuncture though.
