Namita Nayyar:
You did ballet and rhythmic gymnastics as a child, you also have a degree in pianoforte, Music from Vincenzo Bellini Institute of Music, Catania, Italy. Now you are one of the best women fencers in the world. Tell us how these artistic training in dance and music helps in polishing your fencing skills.
Rossella Fiamingo:
Gymnastics gave me two very important things that I found from the first day of fencing:
Coordination and elasticity. Two important things for fencing that allowed me to start from the first steps without too many difficulties
The piano, on the other hand, was fundamental for many other things such as, the sense of time and the speed in seeing first what is about to happen.
In fact, the rhythm changes continuously and that’s a bit like what happens on the grid with your feet. In a certain sense I play on the grid with my feet!
As you play, before moving on to the next measure, take a look to prepare your hands and what comes next.
In fencing, advance reading is equally important.The fencer who reads the opponent’s movements in advance is stronger.
Namita Nayyar:
You have selected a sport which apart from individual sport is also a team sport and requires a lot of cohesiveness and family feeling between the players of the side to finally succeed, how do you achieve that?
Rossella Fiamingo:
Yes, fencing is a complex sport.One day you are alone against everyone, and the next day you’re on a team against the rest of the world.
Team races are fun if everything works. In a team it is important to give and feel the trust of your teammates.None of us have to point fingers, it takes unity to make the group work.
My strong point is listening, supporting and making all the girls feel like they are a fundamental part of the team, each with their own qualities.
Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you would like to share?
Rossella Fiamingo:
I train from Monday to Saturday for a total of 8 sessions.
I do three types of training: athletic preparation, fencing lesson and fencing match. I prefer to separate athletic training from the rest. When I prepare physically I prefer free body workouts or with very light weights.
The movements I do most are the counter movements with various changes in rhythm, which are the movements I use on the piste to move.
Namita Nayyar:
You studies nutrition at the University of Catania. Do you take some special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Rossella Fiamingo:
I follow a healthy and balanced diet. I do a real mess on weekends, otherwise I’m very careful to eat everything in the right quantities
I follow the Mediterranean diet that is well-balanced way of eating that prioritizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins (particularly from fish), and good fats from things like extra virgin olive oil and nuts.
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.
