Olympians are superfit athletes with training regimes that mere mortals can only dream of emulating.
With the Paris Olympics just days away, Great Britain middle-distance runner Jemma Reekie has revealed her wellness and fitness routines running up to her second Olympics representing team GB – and they’re perhaps easier to do at home than you might have imagined.
After narrowly missing out on 800m gold at the World Indoor Championships, as well as finishing 5th in the 1500m at the European Championships and 2nd in the British Athletic Championships, Jemma has discussed her extensive exercise routines, diet plan, her wellness techniques and more with ice bath specialists Chill Tubs.
What are your current wellbeing routines, particularly as you prepare for Paris?
Jemma: “Over the past year, I have come to realise how much a wellbeing routine helps and started to listen and feel my body to see what works for me. I am a professional runner, so I exercise six days of a week.
“I like to begin my day with hot water, lemon, and honey before I eat my breakfast and coffee. I then stretch out for 15-20 minutes in preparation for my training for the day. I use my ice bath on rest day (Friday) mornings to begin the day well and help to flush out any inflammation before my training week begins again.
“On a training day, I use an ice bath before bed as I find it helps my body recover and I sleep well after. I then read my book before I sleep. I had terrible habits of scrolling on my phone, but I have turned it round to looking after myself instead of time wasted.”
Can you name three meals or types of food that are your go-to for a boost?
1. Dates covered with dark chocolate for a natural sugar boost and there are so many health benefits of dates
2. Turmeric shots for when I feel run down, these help me shake anything off quick
3. Porridge, peanut butter and honey to start the day, or a smoothie/smoothie bowl with homemade granola
What are your current fitness routines. Is it more intense with the Olympics coming up?
“I run everyday bar a Friday. I like to stretch and do breathing exercises in between too. I also gym three times a week.”
How do you prioritise self-care with such a busy lifestyle?
“I have learned how investing in myself and wellbeing is just as, or more important, as my busy life. I am now able to do things to a higher level by prioritising myself. Instead of spending time on screens or rushing about, I’ve learned to stop myself and say ‘no’ when I know I need my own time to better myself.
Are there any exercises you swear by throughout your career?
“Walking is such a simple thing we all need to do more of. Get fresh air and clear mind, a refresh sometimes we all need.”
What is causing you stress right now and how do you counteract it with relaxation?
“I am during my track/competition season so a lot of stress comes from physically and mentally, as well as travel, so I am trying to recover well by sleeping, eating, icing and having fun where I can in between.”
What are two wellbeing tips/fads you’d tell people to avoid?
1. Diets that are unstainable, try and find a lifestyle balance where you eat healthy and exercise.
2. Using supplements because they are trending without knowing what ingredients are in them, keep it simple and learn how to get things through food, as it’s cheaper and natural.