Namita Nayyar:
You were born in Long Beach, California, US. You began your beach volleyball training in Huntington Beach, California, at the age of eight. As a junior, you partnered with Cheng to win bronze medals at the 2013 U19 and 2014 U21 World Championships. This later propelled your career to the height where you have been at the top of the world as a beach volleyball player. Tell us more about your professional journey of exceptional hard work, tenacity, and endurance?
Sara Hughes:
My professional journey has been filled with so many amazing moments and a fair share of adversity. I started playing volleyball at a very young age and my passion, drive, and love for the game have remained strong. There have been a lot of hard times and bumps in the road but they have all taught me important lessons, and most importantly have made me a better person and player. I believe if you outwork everyone else and remain authentic and true to yourself, you can go very far.
Namita Nayyar:
It is a dream for a beach volleyball player to play in the Beach Volleyball World Championships. You won the Gold medal in the 2023 Beach Volleyball World Championships that was held in Tlaxcala, Apizaco, and Huamantla, Mexico from 6 to 15 October 2023. Tell us more about this spectacular achievement of yours?
Sara Hughes:
Winning a World Championship for Team USA is something I will never forget. It had not been done in fourteen years and being able to bring it back home meant everything. I could not have achieved this without the amazing people and team around me.
Namita Nayyar:
You were named an AVCA Division I Collegiate Beach All-American in all your four years of college. How does such honour being bestowed upon you act as a catalyst in your metriotic rise as a world leading beach volleyball player?
Sara Hughes:
I am very proud of my time at USC. Being named All-American all four years was truly an honor. I am grateful for all of my coaches and fellow teammates who pushed me hard and made me better. My goal was always to play professionally after USC and they gave me all of the tools and support to do so.
Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you may wish to share?
Sara Hughes:
My workout routine is different every time I step into the gym. My trainer focuses on speed, strength, plyometrics, stretching, and rehab. My fitness regime is related to all of the movements I use and create in the sand. I play on an uneven service and it is important to recreate that in the gym so when I step in hole or land unevenly my muscles are used to it and can help prevent injury. My workout routine has helped me build strength and power while remaining fast and dynamic.
Namita Nayyar:
How do you train your abs? One secret to your toned body.
Sara Hughes:
Abs workouts are a daily part of my routine. It varies from week to week but one of my favorite routines I can always count on is a bicycle series. 20 seconds on of slow and controlled big forward bicycle movements, making sure your elbow makes contact with your opposite leg. 10 seconds off in between 8 total rounds. Alternating forward and reverse movements.
Namita Nayyar:
Do you take a special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Sara Hughes:
Currently I am not on any special diet but I try and have a healthy balance within my life. It is important for me to eat Whole Foods and stay away from processed foods and sugar. I strive to reach certain protein goals every day to keep my body fueled and energized. I am not perfect but I have found it very fun lately to learn new recipes and try out new things in the kitchen.
Namita Nayyar:
Five foods you absolutely love and five you keep to a minimum.
Sara Hughes:
Five foods I love: steak, shrimp, fruit, roasted vegetables, dark chocolate
Five foods I also love but keep to a minimum: chocolate chip cookies, pasta, Indian food, chips and salsa, pancakes
Disclaimer
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