Kelley O’Hara’s Kickin’ Workouts and Recovery Tips

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Like a Tribe Called Quest so brilliantly asked: Can I kick it?

No, really. I wanna kick it like KELLEY O’HARA!

No matter who you are and how much you love to work out, there are going to be times when you might need a little extra motivation to hit the gym. Or, you simply need to just mix things up. I know for myself, it’s usually around this time of year when running outside sounds way too hot for and my usual workouts just seems so — I don’t know — same-old-same-old. So, I’m always looking for something new to try to freshen up my motivation, my workout and my results. And these workouts and recovery tips from Kelley O’Hara are exactly what I needed in my fit life.

I mean, as a professional soccer player, Kelley herself is so inspiring. There’s some serious bad-assery going on here. Anticipation. Focus. Execution. Can I get an amen?!

Although Kelley clearly spends a lot of time on the soccer field, she also spends a lot of time training off the field. And she doesn’t just work on her legs — she works on her entire body. Just check out her workout routines!

Kelley O’Hara’s Upper-Body Workout

I love how much she talks about proper form. If you’re not doing it correctly and using the muscles you want to work on, then what’s the point? And those med ball slams? I forgot about them and LOVE THEM SO MUCH.

Kelley O’Hara’s Leg Workout

I mean, who wouldn’t want legs as strong and agile as Kelley’s?! I do RDLs but not one-legged RDLs, so this is a game-changer that I can’t wait to do on the regular. (Side note: Girl has jumps, too. That box height is ah-mazing.)

Kelley O’Hara’s Core Workout

We all know that soccer players have the best abs and strongest core. And I love that her core workout has no crunches. Plus, doing those pikes after you do the planks? Quite the challenge! (Which I love.)

How Kelley O’Hara Recovers From a Workout

Now that you have the moves and three fresh new workouts, let’s talk about recovery. Because the best workout possible isn’t actually the best workout possible if you don’t recover well from it. This means treating your muscles right, getting the sleep you need and fueling properly. Kelley says it in the video, but it’s so darn true — recovery has so much to do with nutrition.

You can check out all the science and benefits over on builtwithchocolatemilk.com, but know this: more than 20 scientific studies support the benefits of recovering after strenuous exercise with the high-quality protein and nutrients found in low-fat chocolate milk. Whether it’s swimming, running, cycling or soccer, athletes simply recover better with the right mix of protein and carbs.

And, unlike most recovery drinks, chocolate milk naturally provides high-quality protein to help build lean muscle. It also contains that magical mix of protein to carbs to help refuel tired muscles and return them to game-time form. Plus, low-fat chocolate milk contains electrolytes that help replenish what’s lost in you sweat so it helps to keep you hydrated. And this goes without saying but chocolate milk is darn delicious. So it’s not exactly a hard thing to work into your life, ya know what I mean?

Recent studies support what athletes like Kelley O’Hara have known for years: low-fat chocolate rocks for post-workout recovery. What does recovery mean to you after a tough workout? It sure is hard to say no to chocolate in any form, especially when it’s so good for workouts, huh? —Jenn

A few more folks who kick some serious butt:

• How to Make Gabby Douglas’ Morning Routine Work for You
• Fit Bottomed Girls Podcast Ep 2: Beach Volleyball Olympian April Ross
• The Workout That Keeps One of Canada’s Most Powerful Women Strong