We chat with four-time ASP Women’s
World Champion surfer Stephanie
Gilmore.
What do you do to stay in shape?
STEPHANIE GILMORE: I have a holistic approach to my life all year round, so every day is pretty active: surfing a lot, stretching and breathing. I try to eat as many fresh, colorful foods as possible.
Is there a specific workout regime you do when you’re prepping for competition?
SG: I work with a C.H.E.K (Corrective Holistic Exercise Kinesiology) practitioner when I’m at home. It focuses on my core strength and balance—things that are specific to my body and surfing.
Are there certain exercises you do that directly help your surfing?
SG: Squats and lunges are great for leg strength and balance when surfing; plyometrics helps achieve more explosive surfing; and lying on a Swiss ball going through the motions of paddling on a surfboard while holding dumbbells is great for paddling strength.
Tell us about your diet. What do you eat on an average day?
SG: I try to eat as fresh as possible: veggies, fruit, eggs, red meat, fish and chicken are all a part of my diet. Plenty of water and chocolate are also essential.
Do you change up your diet when you’re nearing a competition?
SG: I keep things pretty light around competition time; there is nothing worse than feeling heavy and full while lying on your surfboard. But it’s really about listening to your body and what it’s craving. It’s usually pretty spot-on.
You spend a lot of time in a bathing suit and on the beach—what’s your beauty routine for your skin and hair?
SG: I use zinc or SPF covering cream for my face and body. I always have a pack of Neutrogena Cleansing Deep Clean Wipes in my car to wipe it off. I cleanse every day and then use plenty of moisturizer and conditioner. Ella Baché has a good zinc cream for your face, and applying Moroccanoil after you’ve rinsed your hair is fantastic. It’s also my favorite thing to surf without any sunscreen early in the morning when the sun isn’t so harsh, allowing my body to enjoy the benefits of ocean water.
