Having had the pleasure of working with Meghan Duggan, 4x World Champion, 2x Olympian as well as Captain of the United States Women’s National Ice Hockey Team, I thought it would be awesome to share some of her passions when it comes to fitness/nutrition and overall lifestyle with all of you. I mean… who better than this to look at and say STRONG IS SEXY!! (Here she is in action flying through the air and almost scoring- all while being covered by 4 opponents!)
Check out our conversation below and what fun it was to be in the company of someone like-minded and as passionate as I am about health from the inside out!!
A-M: What is your favorite workout and why?
MD: My favorite workout is any type of circuit training. I love doing multiple different exercises and not stopping so that my heart rate is elevated the entire time. I find that circuit training gives me the best sweat, strength, and endurance workout!
A-M: What is your favorite body part to train and why?
MD: My favorite body part to train is my legs because being a hockey player; they are probably my most important asset. Making them stronger makes me a faster and more efficient skater. “The legs feed the wolf” as my college coach Mark Johnson liked to say.
A-M: What exercises do you find most effective to keep your amazing abs?
MD: Rollouts! Either with the actual ab roller or different version of rollouts that I do with the TRX bands at Mike Boyles Gym!
A-M: What exercises do you find most effective for lean, strong legs?
MD: Lots of squats and lunges! Partnered with jumps and hops. One leg, two leg, you name it!
A-M: Where do you get your inspiration from or who inspires you?
MD: My teammates inspire me. Every day when I train I think about how I am accountable to an entire team of elite athletes. In order to lead them in the direction that we want to go, I can’t ever let myself get outworked. I’m always inspired to be bigger, faster, stronger.
A-M: What is one of your favorite inspirational quotes or mantras?
MD: “A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. She doesn’t set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the quality of her actions and integrity of her intent. In the end, leaders are much like eagles, they do not flock; you find them one at a time”
“The price of excellence is discipline, the cost of mediocrity is disappointment”
A-M: During the off season what workouts do you enjoy doing?
MD: Aside from my off season summer training that I am required to do for the US Team, I absolutely love cycling, playing tennis, and playing golf. (Pictured here after a long weekend ride with her brother)
A-M: What really motivates you to workout? You have such a strong, sexy, athletic body– what keeps you going?
MD: Working out, and pushing my body to its limits is something I have always enjoyed. I truly believe that our bodies were made to move, and our minds were made to be challenged. The training that I continually put myself through, does both of those things. I take a lot of pride in the health and physical state of my body, it’s important to me but also something I enjoy working towards.
A-M: How do you decide if you need a rest day?
MD: Having been training full time as a collegiate/Olympic athlete for about 10 years now, I am very in tune with my body. I have learned over the years the difference between “I’m tired and I need to push through this” vs. “I’m tired and sore and I need to let myself rest and recover to prevent injury” I pay attention to how well I’m sleeping, how my muscles feel, and when my next competition is. Those things all play into deciding if I need a rest day or not.
A-M: What are some of your favorite things to do to relax and have fun?
MD: 1. Cook/read about new foods/recipes
2. Ride my bike
3. Play golf
A-M: Body confidence is a big topic amongst younger girls and one that I view as important for us to stand together on a platform of encouragement and empowerment. I love the “STRONG IS SEXY” mentoring- What piece of advice would you give them on loving yourself and your body?
MD: STRONG IS SEXY FOR SURE! Treat your body well, fitness and nutrition wise, and your mental state will be so strong you’ll be full of confidence! Life isn’t about how you look. BE HEALTHY! And love yourself and others for who you are and who they are!
A-M: If we were to glance at your playlist, what would be some of your top tunes we would see that keep you motivated during your workout?
MD: 1. Waves- Mr. Probz
2. Yeah- Joe Nichols
3. Burnin’ it down- Jason Aldean
4. Get me bodied- Beyonce
5. Take care- Rihanna and Drake
A-M: We know how important it is to keep the mind, body and soul healthy from the inside out. What has perhaps been a challenge for you here that you have overcome or what helps you to keep your “being” in a good, energetic space?
MD: No matter what my day looks like in terms of training, traveling, competing, meetings, work, errands, etc… I have discovered that I need AT LEAST 5 minutes of time to sit and be still and quiet. In those moments, I close my eyes, shut my mind off, and just listen to myself breathe. It regenerates my mind, body, and soul.
A-M: Do you have a favorite food and do you cook a lot at home?
MD: I love all seafood! My favorite is probably Salmon, baked and eaten alongside a fresh salad! And yes I LOVE to cook at home.
A-M: What’s your go-to fuel before or after an intense workout?
MD: I never start a day without my morning shake, I change it up occasionally but the staple ingredients which always find themselves in there are: Banana, Spinach, Frozen Berries, Green Tea, Organic Hemp protein powder, Chia Seeds, Coconut Oil, Cinnamon, Water
A-M: Cheat treat or meal- we all have them, what would you reach for if you wanted to indulge a bit or have as a comfort food?
MD: Chicken wings!!! I don’t have them often but when I do, I really enjoy them! 🙂
A-M: Are there any foods that you stay away from or foods that you think have helped or hurt your performance?
MD: I don’t eat much sugar, if any at all because in general it isn’t good for anyone, athlete or not. For the most part I tend to just eat whole, unprocessed, unrefined foods. I prefer to stay away from things that come in a box or a bag. I enjoy all fresh produce and meats/seafood!
A-M: Nutrition is important to you and I know another similar passion that we share- tell us a bit more about your passion for this
MD: Nutrition is my passion! One of my favorite quotes is “Take care of your body, it’s the only place you have to live” and I truly truly believe that. Any article or book that I can get my hands on about food, recipes, and nutrition is always one that I want to read. Having a degree in Biology from the University of Wisconsin, I love learning about how all of the systems in the body work. Nothing gets me more excited than fueling my body properly, or encouraging/teaching others how to fuel theirs properly! A long time ago when I made the decision that I was going to make nutrition a priority in my life, I noticed how important it is in my day to day. Proper nutrition techniques make me happier, allow me to perform better on the ice, and make me just overall a healthier woman!
A-M: This was so much fun Meghan! Thanks for spending time with me and I look forward to exciting partnerships together by way of our shared passion for health, wellness and performance!
xx, a-m