Namita Nayyar:
In 2018, you became the first woman in WWE to successfully cash-in her Money in the Bank opportunity, when you defeated Charlotte Flair to win the WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship. How do you feel about achieving this incredible milestone?
Leah Van Dale:
I love that my name will go down in the history books as the first ever Miss Money in the Bank. To then be able to cash in my contract the Smackdown after Wrestlemania on Charlotte Flair is mind blowing. I don’t think anyone expected it, and that’s what I love about my job. The shock factor.
Namita Nayyar:
What according to you is a good warm-up & why is it so important before a workout session? Also share the significance of stretching in an individual’s life?
Leah Van Dale:
I always warm up on the bike or treadmill for about 20-30 minutes before I lift. Stretching is something I really need to get back into my daily routine. With my schedule, it’s so hard to fit everything in. I usually only have time to train OR stretch, but I really need to start making time for both. I notice such a difference in my body when I take the time to stretch properly.
Namita Nayyar:
Before starting resistance training, what are the key points to keep in mind? Ideal strength workout for a beginner looking for weight loss?
Leah Van Dale:
Make sure you’re warm! You don’t want to lift when your muscles are cold. I think doing a full body lift is the best idea for a beginner. You can target each major muscle group without having to be too sore!
Namita Nayyar:
Being a wrestler, you have faced some injuries during your career. How do you recover from them? Also share some precautions specifically for women while training?
Leah Van Dale:
Recovery is the most important part of my job. Being on planes, in rental cars, training and wrestling five days a week takes a huge toll on your body. Some times I have to remind myself that it’s ok to take a week or two off from the gym from time to time in order to let my body rest. Listen to your body. Only you know your own limits. Just because someone else lifts 5 or 6 days a week doesn’t mean you have to. Every single body is different.
Namita Nayyar:
What does your first meal of the day look like? 5 foods to kick start the day?
Leah Van Dale:
When I’m home, my go to breakfast is:
- 2 whole eggs over easy
- 3 Scrambled egg whites
- 2 pieces of turkey bacon
- 2 pieces toast
When I’m on the road it’s a lot harder to stay consistent. I usually try to find a Starbucks and I get an order of egg white bites and an oatmeal with none of the toppings.
