Namita Nayyar:
You won the 2018 Grand Prix of Helsinki champion, 2018 NHK Trophy champion, 2016 Rostelecom Cup silver medalist, and three-time Russian national medalist in competitive pair skating. How do you manage such a remarkable achievement and what has been a catalyst to your exceptional sporting achievements in competitive pair skating?
Natalia Zabiiako:
Any achievements in sports are a lot of work, dedication, rejection of something, struggle with yourself inside yourself, love for what you are doing and a huge faith in yourself. I have always been as concentrated as possible on what I am doing, on where I am going. I was so consumed in it! And at the age of 14, when I become a pair skater, I realized that the world pedestal is not something ephemeral, it is reality, something that I can achieve if I work without sparing myself. A major head injury in 2016 was also a huge catalyst.
As soon as I came to my senses in reanimation, I realized even more that I want to win; I want to train and do what I love so much. It took almost three more years to do this, but it happened, my partner and I began to win. Olympic silver medal, Gold grand prix, bronze of the world championship. And of course, the support of loved ones played a huge role.
Namita Nayyar:
In your professional career in Competitive Pair Skating you have paired with Sergei Kulbach, Alexandr Zaboev, and Alexander Enbert. How have they influenced your skating skills and what did you learn from each one of them?
Natalia Zabiiako:
Each of them absolutely influenced me in one way or another. Someone brought positive emotions and experience into my life, someone on the contrary, some kind of wisdom, probably. But nevertheless, they all played a role in my formation.
Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you may wish to share?
Natalia Zabiiako:
At the moment, my daily routine is cardio exercises – running, swimming, jumping rope. Strength exercises for whole body. From time to time I practice dancing, playing tennis. I love cycling or rollerblading.
Namita Nayyar:
What is your fitness routine in such pandemic times?
Natalia Zabiiako:
During the pandemic, I did more Pilates. During the training camps, one amazing woman — Susan Pepper Arena worked with us, she taught me the basics of Pilates, so these skills were very useful to me on self-isolation.
Namita Nayyar:
How do you train your abs? One secret to your toned body.
Natalia Zabiiako:
For the abs, I have a lot of different exercises. As usual, on the mat, and various with rubber band, ball. In total, per workout, I do 6 different exercises 50 times each of them. A toned body is achieved due to constant movement, healthy and happy lifestyle. You need to combine workouts and constantly be in tone, okay, you can do nothing for one day, although it’s difficult for me :)))
Namita Nayyar:
Do you take a special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Natalia Zabiiako:
I will not say that I have a special diet. The only thing is that I do not eat meat, but otherwise I try to consume more vegetables, fruits, cereals, seafood. In fact, I also love sweets, but I try to choose the most useful ones. In such things as pizza or delicious pasta, ice cream, I also do not forbid myself. But this is certainly not every day. And the main thing is not to overeat and send all the energy in the right direction.
Namita Nayyar:
Five foods you absolutely love and five you keep to a minimum.
Natalia Zabiiako:
I really love: avocado, vegetarian ice cream, coffee, fresh tuna and hummus. I try to keep it to a minimum: milk, eggs, cheese, chocolate bars, and cakes.
Namita Nayyar:
You have glowing skin and gorgeous hair. Share with us your hair care and skincare routine. What special care do you take for both during extreme winter weather?
Natalia Zabiiako:
My routine in this regard is not very difficult. For cleaning my face I use just water, or sometimes cleansing oil, because my skin is dry, I can apply a serum with vitamin C on top. I rarely use creams, only in winter, when it is very cold and the skin needs additional nutrition. For my body I use body milk. I moisturize my hair with balms, and use water with sea salt for styling in everyday life. Of course, after the competition, when you pour half a bottle of hairspray on your head, you should apply a good mask to restore the structure.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
