Hydration Secrets of Beach Volleyball Player Kristina "Kika" Harman
Uncover Your Peak Performance - Interview with Christina Kika Harman
What excites you about beach volleyball and where do you feel at home - on the beach volleyball court or indoors
Christina:
The thing that excites me most about beach volleyball is that I am in constant contact with the ball throughout the entire game, whereas in indoor volleyball it's common for the ball to not even get to you in one exchange :D Besides that, what I also love about beach volleyball is that the main tournament season takes place outdoors. Even though I played indoor volleyball for many years, I definitely feel at home just on the sand. Indoor volleyball has given me a good technical and movement foundation, but I can't imagine swapping sand for a hard surface anymore :)
Which beach volleyball experience sticks in your mind the most?
Christina:
There are more than one of those experiences, but if I had to pick one, it would probably be the moment two years ago when my partner and I fought our way through two qualifying rounds on the world tour - the Beach Pro Tour Futures - in Messina, Sicily, Italy. And we played on a court right in the central square. Two words to describe the moment - unbelievable joy and experience - as it was the first time we both took part in the main competition of the Futures series at international level.
What do you find the most challenging conditions on the sand?
Christina:
For me, it's definitely the heat and the deep sand. I'm one of those athletes who needs to hydrate her body sufficiently in these conditions by taking various nutritional supplements. Minerals, or electrolytes, are a staple for me during any tournament, and not just on hot days.
What do you eat and drink before a match to be 100% prepared?
Christina:
Beach volleyball is a fitness-intensive sport and my body needs to have enough energy to be 100 percent ready. That's why it's important for me to eat increased carbohydrates (rice, pasta, potatoes) at least one day before the tournament and also drink plenty of fluids enriched with various vitamins and minerals a day or two before the tournament. I found Bioactive Aliver waters with 82 minerals and found them to be the perfect choice for me.
How does aliver Bioactive Water help you manage the heat and replenish fluids/hydrate your body?
Christina:
Thanks to AliveR Bioactive Water containing a full spectrum of minerals such as magnesium, calcium but also iodine, I can handle the heat on and off the court much better because it replaces my sweaty minerals. I have a minimal incidence of muscle cramps, I would say almost none. And what I feel probably the most is that I don't have energy fluctuations during the day anymore i.e. my energy doesn't just drop all of a sudden and I don't feel sluggish.
What benefits of these waters do you feel the most?
Christina:
Bioactive water - Calcium ( containing B vitamins, calcium and others) - I have a much milder course of common illnesses - colds/flu, Additionally, they ensure that I don't leach calcium from my bones during sports or workouts.
Magnesium and iodine enriched water - With regular use, I feel minimal cramping and muscle fatigue and overall better energy balance in my body.
Probiotic and prebiotic waters - I feel I have much better digestion and overall better immunity.
Which flavor reminds you most of summer and beach vibes?
Christina:
I have two favorites right now - waters with probiotics and prebiotics: the orange-mango flavor based on water kefir and the forest fruit flavor. They are the most popular flavours of my friends as well, so I highly recommend them to you as well.
Which game was the hardest for you in terms of the heat?
Christina:
There was one game just this summer season where the heat exactly combined with the deep sand and increased physical exertion. I felt like I had taken in enough fluids and minerals, but this time it wasn't enough. During the third game of the day, when the temperature rose to 34 degrees, I started getting muscle cramps. At first it seemed innocent and I was hoping to "stir it up" since it doesn't happen to me at all. But the opposite was true and we had to stop the match in the second set when the cramps intensified and prevented me from moving smoothly on the sand anymore. Fortunately, the nurse got me back together thanks to high doses of minerals and electrolytes, and I was able to resume the tournament the next day. Since this tournament, I have been careful not to run out of my last supply of Bioactive Waters 4 days before the tournament.
Is hydration for you more about energy or also about concentration and mental well-being?
Christina:
Hydration for me is also about energy, concentration as well as mental well-being. In order to be able to function fully in the morning after waking up, whether at work or training, and also be mentally well, it's important for me to take in enough minerals in addition to plain water. Although plain water hydrates the cells but it does not contain minerals that recharge the body energetically. With Bioactive Waters containing a full spectrum of minerals, I look forward to each more challenging day knowing that I have on hand what my body needs most.
What would be your "golden nail" argument for recommending Bioactive Water to younger female players?
Christina:
As I've outlined above, I find proper hydration to be a key element in regular physical activity. If you want to feel energized, perform at your full concentrated capacity while avoiding unnecessary injuries or weak moments right on the court, make sure to bring at least one Bioactive Water with you to every practice or game. Your body will thank you for it :)
AliveR Bioactive Water - more than hydration
AliveR Bioactive Water combines pure spring water, 82 minerals, bioactive iodine, probiotics and prebiotics - everything the body needs for recovery, concentration and performance.
Sugar-free. Without sweeteners. No compromises.
Kristína "Kika" Harmanová, beach volleyball