Bangalore: For a girl who discovered her love for water at the age of nine, had an international swimming career for nearly 2 decades, went on to represent her country at the Olympics, Nisha Millet was feeling restless during her pregnancy months. It was water she missed, Nisha figured. "I was missing water too much, staying indoors all day," said Nisha who got back into the swimming pool just within six weeks after giving birth to two healthy girls - Adele and Ariana - two months back.
Motherhood has changed her life, certainly. And when you have twins, it's tough to find time for yourself. "But I am lucky to have a helpful husband and mother," says Nisha. Used to daily swimming workouts of nearly ten hours, Nisha now steals time to swim in the afternoons, rushing to the pool when her babies are napping. "Water relaxes me and I feel more energetic after swimming," she said.
At the end of her pregnancy, Nisha had gained nearly 12 kilos. But according to her doctor, it was not a significant gain considering that she carried not one but two healthy babies. After childbirth, Nisha took one step at a time in the pool, starting off with jogging in water. She then progressed to freestyle and breaststroke. "These styles put the least strain on new mothers. It's the best thing to do post delivery", she said. She had started exercising early in her pregnancy. Nisha now targets to lose six kilos by March 2014, ahead of the summer camps at her swimming academy.
Fit for the festive season
Nisha has always been a multi-tasker and her babies, Adele and Ariana, haven't changed that aspect of her life. The Arjuna awardee continues to train young swimmers at her academy in Bangalore, being brand ambassador of swimwear brand Speedo and helping people stay fit this festive season though swimming.
Like Nisha, the winner of the fitness programme happens to be a new mother. "I was quite inspired by her. We have a lot in common. She had the guts to put on a swimsuit soon after giving birth, she managed to conquer her fear of water and at the end of the contest, came out as a much more confident person." The programme focused not just on shedding calories but on gaining overall fitness.
Swimming wayback to your fitness
And what tips would she give to other new mothers who want to get back in shape?
"I know it's tough to find time. But I'd advise all new mothers to find time for themselves," says Nisha.
When it comes to swimming, the average woman is worried about finding the right swimwear and also fears getting tanned. Nisha feels the fear of exposing post-childbirth flab is what keeps new mothers away from the waters. "For this, it's important to get the right kind of swimsuit and a good sunscreen" she advises.
"Start with fun activities, chat in water with your gal pals, get into the pool with a person who's a better swimmer than you," said Nisha who vouches for group swimming. "Water is a good way to de-stress", she says.
Swimming for her twins?
Being born to Nisha, Adele and Ariana are certainly water babies. "My girls will be in pools by the time they're six months". Right now, Adele and Ariana are just learning to enjoy water during their baths. Nisha and her husband talk and sing to them in the tub. The mother even sprinkles drops of water on their face. "All this is in preparation for their swimming debut," says Nisha.
"I'd love for them to be swimmers," she says. Nisha, however, feels that children of sportspersons are usually never in the same sport. But Nisha plans to train them in some sport or the other even if it isn't swimming.
In the midst of her busy life, there are moments when Nisha misses the rush of competitive swimming. Winning over 600 medals and an Arjuna Award, Nisha retired from competitive swimming after nearly 16 years. "I definitely don't miss those tough training sessions. But sometimes I do miss the crowds cheering around you and the rush of beating a tough opponent. But all athletes miss that once they retire, don't they" she asks.
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