MomStars: How Kerri Walsh Jennings Rocks a Healthy Day
Busy mom of three, Olympic athlete Kerri Walsh Jennings is the epitome of Fit Bottomed Mama! With her three young kiddos, super-busy training schedule and a thirst for competition, we don’t know how she fits it all in or how she doesn’t collapse from exhaustion. But it’s inspiring nonetheless, and we got to ask her some questions about her workouts and how she balances her training and her family. Read more about her partnership with ASICS over on Fit Bottomed Girls, and read on for her high-speed day — and how many workouts it takes to get a bum like hers!
Interview With Kerri Walsh Jennings
What’s a typical day like for you in terms of workouts and eats? My day is a dead sprint from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Our kids wake up between 5:15 a.m. to 6 a.m. Breakfast is a shake using Designer Whey protein, greens, berries, flax seed, spiralina, etc., or oatmeal with raw almond butter and honey.
We take the kids to school by 8:30 a.m., then it’s off to the races. I practice for two to three hours, grab a quick snack (protein bar), then head to my Pilates, track workout or Fast Twitch (weight-lifting) workout depending on the day. I usually have two to three workouts a day and physical therapy or I meet with my sports psychologist. I try to do all interviews and errands in that time window as well. My goal is to be done with work by the time we grab the boys from school, but that rarely happens. Our days are jam-packed and go so fast, but we love it!
What sport/fitness activity would you be into if you weren’t playing volleyball? Pilates FOR SURE! I love lifting weights. I’d likely be playing another sport competitively (I came wired that way), and basketball was my second favorite. I’m glad I don’t have to think about that just yet. 😉 A bucket list item of mine is to play on a family co-ed softball team … one day!
What are some of your top tips on how to be confident in a bikini? First thing is to find one that fits — fit is everything! I’m also a big believer in a smaller bikini bottom. I think small works well with ladies who are a little more endowed and for those who aren’t. Not too small, mind you, but smaller. 😉 Get an organic spray tan or use some Skin Authority self tanner (my favorite) and this will help a ton! A tan makes everything better!
What are some of your favorite things to do at the beach when you don’t have a net? Read, nap, play with my babes, throw a ball around. I aspire to learn how to stand-up paddle. I need to let go of my fear of sharks first though.
How do you balance being a mother, wife and athlete? Any tips for other moms? My husband plays the biggest role in the balance of my life. We are both chasing the same dreams (gold in Rio, great parents, becoming our best), and we attack life and our craziness as a team. We are united in purpose and focus. We are both living out our dreams so regardless of how tired we are or how daunting things may get, we know we’re in it together, and together we will get through anything.
My tips for fellow mommies would be to learn how to ask for and accept help. We all need it! It’s not a sign of weakness, but quite the contrary. It makes you and your family stronger because it lightens the load.
What’s your favorite “me time” activity? Shopping, reading a good book at a cafe, lunch with my girlfriends or a good nap. Nothing crazy, but all wonderful!
We totally agree on “me time” activities … any of those is pure luxury! —Erin & Jenn