Asdis Hjalmsdottir is an exceptionally talented Icelandic javelin thrower. She also excels in 60m, Shot Put and Discus Throw. She has won Gold four times at the Games of the Small States of Europe in the javelin throw. She is in conversation with Namita Nayyar President Women Fitness.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You were born in Reykjavik, Iceland and must have started taking part in sports at a very young age. You won four times gold medal in the Games of the Small States of Europe 2005, 2009, 2013 & 2015 in Javelin throw and once in Discus throw. What factors do you consider were responsible that made you achieve that?
Ms. Asdis Hjalmsdottir:
I actually started kind of late with sports. Before turning to athletics I played badminton from age 10 to 16 when I started training seriously for javelin throw. The main factor for my success is my passion for my sport. Already at age 10 when I had just started training for badminton I told my dad that I was going to compete at the Olympics one day. I absolutely love what I do so I am very motivated to do what I need to do to succeed.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Tell us about your training in the sport of your specialization that helped you in your achievements in the world of javelin throw?
Ms. Asdis Hjalmsdottir:
As a javelin thrower you need a very good all round fitness since this event is very hard on the body. It takes a lot of training and I am sure that my background in many different sports as a kid helped me considerably when I decided to specialize in javelin throw.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you shall like to share?
Ms. Asdis Hjalmsdottir:
My training regimen consists of all round training. The basics are technical training, sprinting, weight lifting, jumps and heavy ball throws but it is very important to have a strong core and good coordination so I also do pilates, yoga and even zumba.
I start every training session with a very good warm-up and mobility work which I think is very important for your range of motion and injury prevention. I also try to incorporate supplementary exercises into my main program to work on my weaknesses and prevent injuries. I am referring to core exercises and ankle and shoulder stabilization since I have very weak feet and the shoulders are under a lot of stress in a javelin throwers training. My main training then consists of the basics I mentioned before to make me fast, strong and explosive as well as improving my throwing technique.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Do you take some special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Ms. Asdis Hjalmsdottir:
Yes I take very good care of my body so that it can take all the stress that I am putting on it with my training. I avoid sugar and processed food and nurture my body with good quality whole foods. Generally I feel better when I lower my carbohydrate consumption and eat more fat and protein but I cycle my carbs around my workouts. After years of experimenting with myself I have figured out what foods make me feel healthy and happy and that is what I put in my body.
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