One of the number one things people ask me as a WWE Diva is how I stay in shape while keeping up with the most hectic travel schedule on the planet! The truth is, sometimes I don’t know how I do it, but I know I have to find a way to be active because it keeps me sane.
My career takes me all over the world. Just recently I was in Rwanda visiting two different refugee camps with The United Nations Foundation and Nothing But Nets. We were there to help raise awareness about Malaria. The experience was so eye opening, heartbreaking and exhilarating all at the same time. The refugees are living each day fighting to survive and doing it with a smile on their faces. They have very limited food and water and therefore their health and nutrition are greatly compromised. None the less, they are true survivors that don’t give up. After my trip to Rwanda, I realized more than ever how lucky and privileged I am in my life to have the choice to be healthy and fit. It made me not want to take my health for granted ever again.
No matter where work takes me, I make it a priority to try and grab a workout. Even if it’s only 45 minutes. It makes me a better person because it allows me to clear my head and feel accomplished for the rest of the day. I can me more productive in and out of the ring when I feel good about myself.
I really like to do different forms of exercise all the time to keep my body constantly stimulated. Sometimes I want to weight train, other days I want to do hot yoga and then there are times where a nice, long run quenches my workout thirst. It really all depends on how my body feels.
One of the best pieces of advice I can give to anyone who wants to know more about how they can get in better shape is just listening to your body. When you feel great, work out hard! When you feel hungry, eat! When you feel tired, stretch! When you want to quit…keep fighting. Just be consistent.
It also doesn’t hurt to chart your progress. By keeping a journal of your routine and diet, you’ll be able to see how much you have grown and developed. When you reach a goal, you’ll love the feeling and be driven to continue setting new goals.
Do your best to avoid processed foods. Anything that grows from the earth, comes from a tree or runs or swims (ie. fruits, veggies, nuts, grains, fish and chicken) are much better choices than a Crispy Cream donut. (Cupcakes are ok on your birthday)
Don’t be afraid to fail! Fall down, get dirty and get right back up again and keep going. Failure is important to growth. Sometimes when I think about giving up, when things get to hard at the gym or at work, I think about the people I saw in the refugee camps in Rwanda. Their ability to survive the toughest elements anyone can endure will inspire me for the rest of my life.
They taught me that we are extremely resilient and stronger than we know.
— WWE Diva, Natalya!
[Image via WWE.]
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