Olympian Kerri Walsh Jennings Believes in the Power of Positive Thinking
Kerri Walsh Jennings at the World Series for Beach Volleyball in 2014
When your nickname is“Six Feet of Sunshine” you just have to radiate positivity no matter what. Pro Beach Volleyball Player Kerri Walsh Jennings has used that positive energy to win three Olympic gold medals in a row. She is aiming to claim another in Rio next year. Her upbeat attitude carries over whether she is working out, focusing on her family, or offering guidance to for women in sports.
Yahoo Beauty: Bikinis are your uniform. Have you ever felt self-conscious wearing one in front of the world?
Kerri Walsh Jennings: There are definitely times when I haven’t felt my best. Like in pre-season, I’m a little bigger than normal and usually pale, so it can be a little scary to put on my bikini and feel like all eyes are on me.
How do you overcome that negative feeling?
There are a few things I do whenever I’m feeling insecure. First, I’m a big believer in positive self-talk. If you want to find the negative in yourself, you will— so I focus on the positives. My uniform is a bikini and I’ve learned to feel empowered by that. I have to be strong to play my sport, and I’m proud of my body for giving me the ability to compete at the highest level. Second, I focus on what I can control. I know that I can control what food I eat to fuel my body and how much effort I put into training, so I am really mindful of those things. It’s also about knowing when your body might just need a rest.
Any last-minute fixes that help?
For a little confidence, I am a big fan of organic spray tans. Everything looks tighter with a tan.
What are your favorite beauty products?
I live in Skin Authority products. I’ve become enamored with why they do what they do and the integrity behind their products. They want to feed and nourish your skin just as much as they want to protect it, so it’s a good balance of the natural elements with the science behind it. I’m also a big fan of mascara. It makes everything prettier. I use normal Cover Girl like everyone does, and I really love Yves Saint Laurent mascara.
What do you eat for fuel?
I put a lot of thought into my diet, because it’s a big part of my training. I’m very aware of where I get my nutrients. What I put into my body makes all the difference for strength, endurance and recovery. I eat a lot of lean protein. I try not to have too much sugar because that creates inflammation. I also don’t have much dairy.
What is your workout regimen like?
I keep up a well-rounded cross-training program both during on and off-season. I try to make sure my body never gets comfortable, so it can keep evolving in the way I want it to. I would say I do about 20 to 30 hours of training per week. On top of that, there is brain training, physical therapy, meeting with my sports psychologist – that’s all very important too. I’m not about over-training. I’m about training smart. All my trainers are very good about being efficient, which as a mom, I appreciate.
What is your weekly workout schedule?
I do about three hours of beach volleyball practice a day. I’m in the gym probably three or four times a week, doing either cardio or weightlifting. I’m a big fan of weightlifting to make me feel strong and prevent me from getting injured. Also, when you have muscle, your body is burning more fat and it helps speed up your metabolism. Then on the cardio side, I do fast-twitch workouts twice a week and plyometric to keep up my agility and endurance. I also do Pilates about three times a week—on the reformer, the mat, and on the beach. Pilates has helped me so much in my career.
How has it helped?
I do it to help my form, and it’s made all the difference in getting my strength back in my core and upper back – especially after breastfeeding.
What is the best thing about being 6’ 2’’? What is the worst thing?
The best is it’s definitely a plus when it comes to my sport. I like being tall, but I guess the worst might be that I stand out in a crowd a bit more.
Who was your role model growing up? Who is it now?
My favorite athlete growing up was Michael Jordan. He was the best ever at his sport and always strived to continue to get better. My favorite volleyball player to watch is my husband Casey – I love the way he plays the game.
Do you feel pressure, being considered a role model yourself?
I wouldn’t say I feel pressured. I’d say I feel more honored. I have a really positive and strong team around me, who help me be successful as an athlete, mom and wife. I’m glad that I can pass along some of that energy and wisdom that’s been shared with me.
What advice do you have for women athletes who want to follow in your footsteps?
I think my best piece of advice for women athletes who want to go pro is to put your whole heart into it – don’t hedge your bets. If you have one baby toe out, the chances of you succeeding goes down so much. I work with a sports psychologist who tells me, “Kerri, if you have a chance to go out on a limb or to stay safe and be comfortable, don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable.” Whether you’re trying to be a professional athlete or succeed in another career, I think it’s important to put yourself out there, go all in. Work your butt off, and you’re going to get there. It might not be the route you think, it might not be as direct as you had hoped, but you’re going to get there, and you’re going to learn and grow and it will be worthwhile.
Kerri’s go-to breakfast shake:
Blend it up, and then get on the road and go
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 handful kale or spinach
• 1 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze almond milk
• ¼ cup oats
• 1 scoop of protein powder
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon honey
