Elisabeth Akinwale is an exceptionally talented and accomplished CrossFit athlete. She is in conversation with Namita Nayyar President Women Fitness.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You must had an inclination towards fitness since your younger years. You started Crossfit about four years back and reached in Top 15 in all the four CrossFit Games you participated. What factors you consider are responsible that made you achieve that?
Ms. Elisabeth Akinwale:
Being involved in sports and athletics from an early age (gymnastics beginning at age 4) has contributed a great deal to my ability to participate in CrossFit competition at a high level. Training comes second nature to me since it’s something I’ve been doing for the majority of my life. I’m very privileged to have access to great training facilities and coaching, as well as a strong personal support system, things that have been a significant factor in my career.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You had a hard earned journey in CrossFit Games. You have finished a remarkable 14th at the 2014 Games. Tell us about your journey of tenacity, discipline and hard work that makes you a phenomena in Crossfit Games?
Ms. Elisabeth Akinwale:
Every year at the CrossFit Games brings its own set of challenges and along with that, a unique opportunity to learn more about yourself. A person is defined not only by how they respond when they are performing well, but how they respond when things aren’t going their way. Everyone comes into the Games having prepared to the best of their ability and when Game days comes we have to test that preparation against unknown workouts and a field of very talented athletes who are also well prepared. CrossFit Games weekend can take you for a roller coaster ride if you let yourself react emotionally to every event. As in life, if something gives you a hit you have to regain your focus and keep fighting for a strong performance on the next event.
Elisabeth Akinwale on WomenFitness: I think womenfitness.net is a great site in that it provides resources for women in so many diverse areas, and includes content that is relevant for women with a variety of goals and interests.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you shall like to share?
Ms. Elisabeth Akinwale:
My training regime is very diverse, comprised of elements from a variety of different disciplines; gymnastics, weightlifting, traditional strength and conditioning, endurance, as well as practicing CrossFit style workouts. Ti enhance my recovery and overall health and durability I practice yoga and a variety of corrective exercises to improve the efficiency of my body’s movement.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Do you take some special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Ms. Elisabeth Akinwale:
I wouldn’t say I follow a special diet, but my main objective it to put healthy things in my body, fuel my training and maintain body composition to perform in my sport. The foundation of my diet is focused on eating a lot of whole foods- unprocessed meats, produce, a bit of dairy. Depending on the time of year and my training schedule I will adjust the volume of starchy carbohydrates that I eat.
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