It is common knowledge that athletes go through a lot of rigorous training to compete on international platforms, and Julie Ertz, who is currently 27 years old, is no different. The soccer player is now part of the Women’s National Soccer Team in the US and will be representing the country as it plays in the 2019 World Cup.
The US Women’s Soccer Team has proved to be exceptionally successful ever since winning the 1999 women’s World Cup, which was the first ever tournament of its kind for women.
Currently reigning at the number one spot as far as team rankings are concerned, the women’s soccer team in the US is the envy of female soccer teams around the world, which means Ertz undergoes the same rigorous training as her colleagues to become the best in the sport.
Hitting The Gym
Naturally, since soccer is a lot about the physical fitness of the player, Ertz makes sure she is always in great form.
A key focus area for her is the core, which is evident considering the athlete has flawless six-pack abs.
According to her, the core is very important because it is where all the other parts of the body connect, and hence a strong core ensures a strong body.
Her optimal core workout is mostly crunches, the bicycle, and touching the toes, all of which do not require any machine and hence are preferred by her, although she still believes that core exercise machines are also a great way to train.
She also likes to increase the complexity of common core exercises. For example, while planking, Ertz sometimes either elevates her body or tries to step outwards by moving her feet away from the core.
However, she also makes sure to train her lower body as much as possible because, after all, soccer is all about the movement of the legs.
Not only is the player expected to move fast, but also hit the ball with a controlled or powerful kick. This is where workouts involving a single leg become a priority because that is a great way to train all the muscles, including the smaller ones, in the legs.
Eating Good Food
Consuming a specific diet can be a daunting task, but it is certainly not as difficult for Ertz as her husband is also an athlete. Hence, when the two of them make a meal in the kitchen, only the most- healthy foods make it to their plates.
A typical diet for Ertz includes quinoa porridge combined with smoothies in the morning, or perhaps the good old-fashioned oatmeal does the job just as well.
Salads that include kale with lots of greens, as well as fruits, are also a major part of her diet, topped with a dressing that Ertz likes to make at home.
Motivation Is Key
Maintaining focus and remaining motivated is certainly not an easy task but, according to Ertz, her experience in playing tournaments has taught her the importance of consistency. This can only be achieved with enough motivation.