Interview with Sharmila Nicollet: "In training, you listen to your body. In competition, you tell your body to shut up"

Sharmila Nicollet

For any sportsperson, running is one of the most essential elements in his/her training regimen. Speaking to Sportskeeda in an interview via email, Indian golfer and PUMA athlete Sharmila Nicollet spoke about the importance of running for her, her most preferred way of keeping fit, and much more.

Excerpts:

Q: As a golfer, what is your workout schedule like? Does it involve a lot of intensive exercises, and what kind?

I work out six days a week for an hour and a half every evening. My sessions are a good mix of mobility, cardio and weight training. I concentrate primarily on my core and my legs as they play a vital role in the quality of my game. My core workouts usually consist of a mix of Swiss ball movements and plank variations. For my legs, I concentrate on squats, deadlifts and other strengthening exercises.

What people need to realise is that fitness routines are of no use unless backed by good nutrition. After having gone through many tests suggested by my nutritionist I now have a better understanding of how my body reacts to certain exercise formulas. I do also have regular deep tissue massages to relieve any muscular stress.

I have done a lot of yoga in the past which worked well to enhance my flexibility and balance. In my sport it is very important to have a strong core and lower body. I train a lot for stamina, flexibility, strength for injury prevention.

Q: How important is fitness to your career?

As a professional athlete fitness is always going to be a large part of my life. Staying in shape is hard work especially when you have to hit the gym after a long day on the golf course. I am seeing the results on the golf course with my distances having increased over the last year.

Q: Would you say that running is an essential component of your fitness regime?

I do sprint interval training which helps me to be more explosive and also helps in recovery between shots. The more sprints you can dish out, the better your body is at generating energy for the next shot. Also running is good to flush out lactic acid after game.

Q: What’s your favourite way to keep fit?

I like to go for a swim whenever I can as it is refreshing. Also, I do weight training which helps me with my game.

Q: Do you enjoy marathons, and who's your favorite athlete/runner?

Usain Bolt is my favorite athlete.I enjoy running, and especially sprinting as it helps improve my game.

Q: Do you have a message for any runners and young athletes out there?

Always stretch out or foam roll after training as it helps to avoid injuries. Maintain a disciplined diet and routine and train hard. There is no secret formula. In training, you listen to your body. In competition, you tell your body to shut up.