How USWNT defender Abby Dahlkemper maintains her fitness routine off the pitch
Although the United States Women’s National Team history-chasing Olympic campaign will have to wait another year, defender Abby Dahlkemper is maintaining a forward-looking attitude, relying on her optimism and health as motivation to overcome this arguably bizarre period in history.
“It’s a strange time for everyone in general, but the health and safety of athletes and attendees should always be the top priority,” the 26-year-old told Yahoo Sports. “Of course I’m disappointed we won’t be able to play this year, but that just gives us more time to prepare with Vlatko and further understand his managerial style.”
Like her teammate Kelley O’Hara, the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Summer Games didn’t come as a shock to Dahlkemper. The 26-year-old agrees the International Olympic Committee made the right decision.
Considering the USWNT lifted the She Believes trophy for the third time in four tournaments, momentum was building for Dahlkemper and company to seek redemption after a disappointing showing at the 2016 Olympic Games. Nonetheless, the former UCLA Bruin says the wait will be worth it, and the team will only come back stronger and fitter.
“The fans should definitely be excited about what’s to come. I guarantee the energy will be electrifying for everyone once we get back on the pitch that first time.”
Dahlkemper is giving fans a peak into her workout regimen
Mandatory stay-at-home orders throughout the country have forced individuals to find alternative ways to maintain their fitness regimes. Often asked how her own routine has changed, Dahlkemper, along with Optimum Nutrition, are giving supporters exclusive access into her daily workouts, accompanying the program with the products she takes to keep her body game-day ready.
“My goal during the quarantine is to maintain as much muscle mass and I can,” Dahlkemper explained. “I don’t want my body to go into shock after months away from the pitch and risk some sort of injury. These workouts are slightly simpler versions of what my teammates and I do during normal training sessions.”
On recovery days, the North Carolina Courage star swears by yoga and other light work such as a foam roller and a Theragun to avoid injury. An individual focused on routine, Dahlkemper says the Optimum Nutrition supplements are an integral part of her performance.
The anticipation for Olympic redemption might be longer than expected, but the USWNT could accomplish something no other team has achieved next summer: should they obtain the gold medal, they'll be the first side in history to win back-to-back World Cup and Olympic competitions.
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