Girls on the go feature in the October issue of Good Health magazine

It’s hard enough being at peak fitness levels for premier competitions such as the Commonwealth Games. But staying keen and motivated is also high priority when it comes to succeeding at the highest level of sport.



This month’s Good Health magazine features four of our top female athletes heading to Delhi to represent New Zealand and reveals how they stay at the top of their game.



High jump hope Liz Lamb believes a balanced but busy lifestyle is a key to staying motivated. “When you’ve got more on, you’re motivated to get things done and are obviously more productive,” she says.



Discus legend Beatrice Faumauina agrees. While she keeps herself busy training six days a week, studying, with television roles and ambassador duties, Beatrice makes sure she sets Sundays aside for some downtime.



“That means going to church and coming home and relaxing with my number one support, my mum.”



2006 Commonwealth Bronze-Medallist Melissa Ingram admits the intense training and early starts can be trying, but a strong support network of friends and family helps to keep her motivated and focused on the goals she sets.



Squash player Jaclyn Hawkes has learned the body can do amazing things when pushed, even if the push is coming from someone else. “Sometimes I think I simply can’t go on and then my coach makes me do one more set – you always have a little more left in the tank than you think,” she says.



All four women place importance on a balanced diet and know a key to healthy nutrition and high energy levels is moderation.



Good Health editor Shelley Ferguson says the women are setting a good example for New Zealanders.



“These four athletes are top in their field; they have a healthy body image, healthy minds and lead healthy lifestyles. They are role models for women of all ages, and we as a nation can be proud that they will be representing us overseas at the games.”