Professional tennis player Venus Williams goes beyond giving her best on the court. Venus has won four Olympic gold medals and seven Grand Slam singles titles—five at Wimbledon and two at the U.S. Open—by making time for “me time.”
Venus uses her fierce energy to stay on top off the court, such as working out, eating well, working with Bombas on her own sock collection, and embracing confidence and comfort.
“I hold myself to a high standard on all fronts,” Venus tells Women’s Health. “And I know the level of consistency and effort that goes into getting results.”
The professional athlete offers four basic suggestions to success on and off the court, all based on setting realistic objectives.
Venus’s workout program is crucial as a pro athlete. She should focus on aerobic or weight training while not competing.
“I’m either on the court getting as many reps in as possible for cardio, in the gym doing strength work, or recovering and trying to get my body to the best place possible,” she told Women’s Health.
Venus understands she’s just human. “Everybody is different when it comes to exercise,” she adds. “The most important thing is to listen to your body, stay consistent, and set realistic goals.”
Venus adds reclining hip raises, alternating leg lifts with an exercise band, weighted dead bugs, and dancing routines and hair flips to her strength training program to set the mood. Venus utilizes a Pilates reformer and bozu ball for stability and balance.
Rest and rehabilitation are as important as exercising hard for her success. She works as hard on recovery as she does on strength and preparation for her next battle. She probably eats well on rest days.
The tennis player eats protein-rich chickpeas for hummus and curries, vegetarian burgers, and hearty soups on a plant-based diet.
“This has really helped me feel energized and strong both on and off the courts,” she adds.
But don’t let “diet” mislead you. According to a 2021 Women’s Health interview, the tennis player calls herself a “chegan,” or vegan cheater.
Venus usually starts her day with a protein-packed smoothie and a scoop of her favorite strawberry-flavored powder from Happy Viking, a company she co-founded two years ago.
“The rest of the day, I tend to eat simple meals, which can vary from sweet potatoes and rice, to veggies and lentils,” adds.
Venus has refreshments on hand for her daily meetings and training sessions. “I love kale chips, flavored nuts, an energy bar, sliced fruit, and even another protein shake,” adds.
Venus Williams’ workout routine and health tips provide an inspiring glimpse into her fitness journey. By emphasizing the importance of consistency, variety, and a positive mindset, she not only showcases her athletic prowess but also promotes a holistic approach to well-being. So, whether you’re a tennis enthusiast or just looking for some motivation, Venus’s insights remind us that staying active and embracing a balanced lifestyle can be the key to unlocking our full potential.