Have you ever been in a situation comparable to Serena’s? Serena Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam champion and former WTA Queen, worked out in a variety of ways while pregnant. But now she’s finding it difficult to continue her exercise regimen.
“Have you ever wanted to start your work out but suddenly remembered your To Do list…. That you have not done in years…. Lol. That’s me this morning. I’m not used to working out with no goal or to be honest – no championship in my mind. This is super weird,” she posted on social media.
Relatable response
“Many people, not just athletes, can relate to Serena Williams’ struggle to find motivation for workouts after pregnancy. People who are used to training with specific goals, such as championships, often feel lost when those goals are no longer present. This transition can be difficult, resulting in a lack of motivation and difficulties in maintaining fitness habits,” explains Anu Doley, ace bikini Steadfast Nutrition athlete and an internationally certified trainer specializing in strength training.
Post-retirement health is a crucial issue that must be addressed. “Athletes frequently face physical and mental challenges as their bodies and routines change. They may struggle with body dysmorphia, weight fluctuations, and adjusting to a new lifestyle,” adds Anu.
Transition phase
So, how does one go from working out all the time to barely being able to get through a day? “It’s the same for both men and women athletes as they transition from the player phase. Some let themselves go. Ronaldo and Maradona become borderline obese and got into all sorts of unhealthy lifestyles and habits,” says Biju George, Steadfast Nutrition athlete and IPL fielding coach.
It may be difficult to accept the end of your athletic career, but knowing what to expect and preparing for it can make the transition simpler. “There are a few who maintain an athletic lifestyle, though perhaps a little more relaxed, and take care of their health after stardom. It is entirely up to the person and how he or she sees himself or herself in the future. Consider former athlete Anju Bobby, who is still in great shape after becoming a mother and leading a busy life as a coach. The bottom line is to make wise decisions,” says Biju.
The Athlete journey
All athletes must understand that their sporting careers will finish one day and that they will need to start a new chapter in their lives, believes Shruti Vora, an equestrian, who made history last year when she became the first Indian to compete in an individual dressage event at the World Equestrian Championships.
“What a startling revelation by Serena Williams. Fortunately, I am not in this scenario at all! I’m in better shape than before. Exercise, working out, or having ‘no goal’ was never associated with sports for me. I exercise for the sake of my life! The goal is, and has always been, to go through the last decade of my life with this discipline. I’m hoping to delay the development of disease. The key is that when I am ‘ageing’, I will have the assurance that I did my best — in terms of diet (first and foremost), eating habits, exercising correctly, and attempting to balance my mental and physical health. The rest is fate!” says Shruti.
“Athletes, in my opinion, are more fortunate since they have been trained to grasp the tiny subtleties of their bodies in greater depth. They are subconsciously programmed to be disciplined. Thus, aim or no aim, retirement or active life, one’s obligation is to respect the body and do everything possible to keep it in good condition.”
Staying motivated
Athletes of all disciplines are frequently left with bodies and behaviours that no longer correspond to their lives, forcing them to contend with body dysmorphia, weight fluctuations, and other challenges.
“I believe that whatever I do is a result of what I want to achieve, and that is really essential. So, in order to find your true purpose, you must first ask yourself “why” and this is something that must evolve over time,” Hardik S Chawda, Professional Golfer. It is critical to redefine goals and find new sources of motivation to overcome this. “Setting attainable goals, such as personal fitness milestones or participation in local events, will help you stay focused and enthusiastic. Workouts can be made more fun by establishing a schedule and including enjoyable activities. Seeking help from friends, family or professionals can also provide the necessary encouragement and guidance during this transitional period,” Anu explains.
Set new goals and train hard
Years of conditioning drills and lifting weights to increase strength and power are followed by retirement, when working out became a genuine challenge.
“I went overboard with calories while growing muscle and ended up becoming fat, going from 94 kgs to 108 kgs, which is when I decided that I would not allow myself to go past 15% body fat. You should always stay below that for the best results when gaining muscle mass,” says Steadfast Nutrition athlete and former Mr Asia, Rohit Shetty.
“You will regret gaining fat, whether you are a bodybuilder, a professional athlete, or a sedentary individual. Fat gain leads to a plethora of ailments, as well as a decline in general personality. My body initially did not respond because the fat accumulation had gone beyond the limit, causing inadequate endurance and loss of cardiovascular strength. So I had to gradually gain strength and stamina by adding minutes to my daily cardio, and my sole motivator was seeing my previous photos and videos of my physique at its peak.”
Enjoy the process
Most athletes were pushed to their limits in college or when competing professionally, but not all athletes appreciated the workouts. Erstwhile sportspersons however, can choose their own fitness plan. “Make certain that the workouts you choose are pleasurable for you. If you enjoy them, they will become a regular part of your life since you will look forward to them,” says Rohit.
Have you ever wanted to start your work out but suddenly remembered your To Do list…. That you have not done in years…. Lol. That’s me this morning. I’m not used to working out with no goal or to be honest – no championship in my mind. This is super weird.” — Serena Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam champion and former WTA Queen.
Michael Jordan, the basketball legend, has reportedly gained 40 pounds in the last year. After years of gruelling play on the court, he has been indulging in the finer things in life during his retirement. Doctors warn that his rapid weight gain puts him at risk of diabetes.
What a startling revelation by Serena . Fortunately, I’m in better shape than before. Exercise, working out, or having ‘no goal’ was never associated with sports for me. I exercise for the sake of my life! The goal is, and has always been, to go through the last decade of my life with this discipline.” — Shruti Vora, an equestrian.
Many people, not just athletes, can relate to Serena Williams’ struggle to find motivation for workouts after pregnancy. People who are used to training with specific goals, such as championships, often feel lost when those goals are no longer present. This transition can be difficult, resulting in a lack of motivation and difficulties in maintaining fitness habits.” — Anu Doley, ace bikini athlete.
