Feb. 17, 2011
By Lauren Seligman
CONDITION begins the third tier of the pyramid. The pyramid block reads as follows: "Mental-Moral-Physical. Rest, exercise and diet must be considered. Moderation must be practiced. Dissipation must be eliminated." As individuals, we need to be conditioned in both mind and body, as our body's strengths can be counteracted by out mind's weakness. The lifestyle choices we make as individuals are important as these choices can counteract any training we do in the gym.
Senior Brittani McCullough may very well be the hardest working athlete on the UCLA campus. Balancing training with class and clinicals in the UCLA NICU, Brittani works hard inside and outside of the gym. I caught up with her for a quick Q&A:
Q: How do you keep a balance between clinicals, practice, and classes?
A: The key to balancing all three is definitely time management. I make lots of schedules and write everything down so I don't forget anything.
Q: How do you keep your body healthy now that you are one of the oldest competitors in your sport?
A: It is very important that I fuel my body well and get ample rest. Treatment and rehab before and after practice are essential; Lorita, our trainer, has done a great job at taking care of my body, and advice from our nutritionist, Becci, has been very helpful when it comes to eating well.
Q: What do you do to mentally prepare for training and meets? Do you have any pre-meet rituals?
A: During practice and before meets, I visualize my skills and routines, go over my cues, and pray before I get started. All of these things help to relax and prepare me for training and competition.
Q: On days when you don't have the opportunity to practice with the team, how do you make sure not to miss a beat?
A: On the days that I am unable to train, I make sure to visualize my routines and mentally prepare. Sometimes, my teammates and coaches also come in the gym with me while I train when the team has the day off.
Q: What is your favorite non-gymnastics workout?
A: I love, love, love all genres of dancing. Any type of aerobic dancing is a great workout.
Q: Part of proper conditioning is fueling your body adequately. What's your Favorite thing to eat before a meet?
A: Carbs and protein help me get through the meet. Usually I have either a chicken breast sandwich or a bagel with turkey.
Q: What advice can you give to younger gymnasts about handling the pressures of the sport?
A: My key words to younger gymnasts are PERSPECTIVE and FUN! Of course you want to do well, as every athlete does, but you go out and do the best you can that day. Some days will be great and some days not so great, but the good news is, God willing, you will be able to try it again the next day. Live in the moment, enjoy the sport, and the people you meet along the way.