By Major Glitch
Being an athlete doesn’t end when you leave the derby track. SFVRD is proving that by cross training hard this fall, starting with nutrition.
Eightteen of SFV’s Roller Derby athletes have embarked on a 6 week Paleo Diet Challenge. The Paleo diet encourages the consumption of meats, vegetables, seafood, nuts and seeds, healthy fats, and fruits. Those on the diet avoid any dairy, grains, legumes, starches, alcohol, processed foods, and sugars. The diet doesn’t require caloric restrictions, or the purchase of expensive supplements, making it a perfect fit for roller derby athletes.
Those on the challenge have been going strong for two weeks now. Everyone has successfully passed the biggest hurdle of Paleo, detoxing from gluten and sugar. The participants are currently reporting lowered body fat, blood pressure, and cholesterol, higher energy levels, looking awesome in tank tops, and skintight jeans turning baggy.
A number of SFVRD athletes have also been cross training by attending speed skating classes up in Ventura. Heather Lacayo teaches the classes. She best known for her National inline and roller racing titles and is currently an advisor for the USSG - United Skate Schools Group, as well as, an ACE certified fitness instructor and NASM Certified personal trainer. The course focuses on off skate’s exercises that improve strength, balance and form. As well as on skate practice in strides, crossing over, and fast starts.
Some SFVRD members spend time doing endurance lake skates practicing proper form and working on speed and stamina.
Remember that cross training is key! Anything that fosters your health, your endurance, speed, balance, strength, etc. will help you with derby!
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