Home / Sports / Mandhana's 5 AM Fitness: Expert Breakdown
Mandhana's 5 AM Fitness: Expert Breakdown
18 Oct
Summary
- Mandhana's childhood routine included 5 am wake-ups and daily exercises.
- Experts confirm her regimen develops mobility, power, and sport-specific skills.
- While intense, adapted versions can suit fitness enthusiasts.
Indian women's cricket captain Smriti Mandhana shared details of her demanding childhood training regimen in a recent interview. Her routine, which began at age five, involved waking at 5 am for compulsory exercises like 12 Surya Namaskars, followed by sets of squat jumps, burpees, and mountain climbers. This was supplemented by stationary shadow batting until 8 am daily for five years.
Consultant Physiotherapist Dr. Supriya Patil from Jaslok Hospital explained the benefits of Mandhana's routine. Each exercise targets specific physical components crucial for cricket, including mobility, cardiovascular health, muscular endurance, and explosive power. For instance, squat jumps enhance the rapid force generation vital for quick movements on the field.
Dr. Patil further elaborated that exercises like burpees and mountain climbers build strength and conditioning but require proper technique to avoid injury. She emphasized that while Mandhana's program was part of elite athletic development over many years, adapted routines can be beneficial for general fitness enthusiasts.
Individuals aiming for fitness can adopt similar principles in shorter sessions. Dr. Patil suggests lower-impact alternatives such as bodyweight squats, step-ups, or controlled lunges for those not conditioned athletes. She stressed that elite training is highly individualized, encompassing coaching, recovery, and continuous assessment.
