How India’s Top Female Athletes Really Train?

 

Ahead of the new year, we caught up with Joshna Chinappa, Professional Squash Player and Aishwarya Pissay, Indian circuit and off-road motorcycle racer on everything fitness. 

 

Cosmo: What is the biggest motivation that keeps you going?

Joshna Chinappa: I am extremely passionate about my training. I enjoy travelling and competing with the best in the world. That motivates me to work harder each day, as there is so much more to achieve through my game. And that’s what keeps me going.

Aishwarya Pissay: My desire to make my dreams a reality keeps me motivated. The ultimate goal is to race the Dakar Rally in a few years.

 

Cosmo: Please tell us about your everyday fitness routine?

Joshna Chinappa: I train for about 4-5 hours every day from Monday to Saturday, which is about 3 sessions a day with each session including squash, fitness and weight training.

Aishwarya Pissay: I prefer to go to bed early so that I can start my day early. First thing in the morning, I go to the gym. I work on endurance, strength and conditioning. After I am done with my training, I spend the rest of the day riding on the track.

 

Cosmo: How do you tweak your fitness routine when preparing for international events?

Joshna Chinappa: For me, the Commonwealth and the Asian Games that happen every 4 years are the most coveted events. Hence, the preparation starts well in advance. I train in the United Kingdom with my team, which includes my coach, Hadrian Stiff, and my fitness trainer who are based there. I try to push as hard as possible physically and mentally during training and start to taper 10 days before any major event.

Aishwarya Pissay:  The prep for big events focuses on the following things:

- Navigation

- Weekly 4-5 days of riding time

- Endurance training with strength and conditioning

- Mental conditioning and cognitive games

- Training before each race in their respective countries

 

Cosmo: What kind of advancements in facilities would you like to see in the future so that your respective sport can grow in India?

Joshna Chinappa: I think it’s important to have top quality coaches, fitness trainers, nutritionists and physicians available to all the athletes in our country itself. The presence of knowledgeable support staff in the team from the beginning of the training will help athletes progress a lot faster and be the among the best early on in their career.

Aishwarya Pissay: I believe more training centres, more visibility and education can help in the development of the sport.

 

 Cosmo: Which is your favourite fitness equipment?

Joshna Chinappa: The Squat Rack

Aishwarya Pissay: My Motorcycle