Knasty Knee
IFBB Fitness Pro Liza Hughes has not competed in a figure contest since the NPC Team Universe in 2005 but it looks like a bad knee is going to turn her into a figure athlete again, at least for a little while. Hughes injured her right knee before competing in Houston this year and despite rest and recovery, the injury is not going away. After the standard period of denial Hughes finally broke down and went to see a doctor. A quick examination raised suspicion of a torn meniscus so an MRI was ordered. Still waiting on the results, Hughes has started preparing for the Kentucky show in November but she won't be wowing the fans with her fitness routines, they are going to have to settle for just the quarter turns. While Hughes is not keen on competing in figure she feels she would rather do that than sit on the sidelines until next year. When asked if she would just stay with figure she explained why that won't happen, "I prefer Fitness because it allows the athletes to showcase personality... I love music.. I love to dance.. I love to be challenged. It gives me a huge sense of accomplishment and is so rewarding to entertain the crowd!" Hughes is still able to train but has to modify some of the exercises that cause discomfort or she feels are high risk, "I have to be cautious when I train as I am so focused and mentally able to block out the pain and don't feel it until later... risking more damage. I have been avoiding plyometrics because of the side to side motion and impact. When I train weights I keep strict form and keep my knee behind or in line with my ankle while squatting and lunging... keeping my glutes way back which helps with my glute/ham tie in anyway. If I run it is only on a track with a rubber surface for shock absorption. I utilize my pool for training as well." Regardless the outcome of the MRI Hughes vows to be ready to compete in figure in Kentucky. |
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