Sharelle announced her retirement a year ago and has since been working in the media (calling netball matches and providing commentary for the ABC and Foxtel), working as a specialist coach and taking on motivational speaking engagements and opportunities in the corporate world (including recently being appointed as brand ambassador for food company Mother Earth). She's also enjoying spending as much time as possible with her two year old son Xavier.
Question: When did you know it was time to retire from netball?
Sharelle McMahon: There were a few points really. Probably the one that stands out the most is when I travelled to New Zealand with the Melbourne Vixens to play the BOP Magic. We were away for 3 or 4 days and back at home my son was sick and in and out of the doctors office. We lost that game and I sat on the bench for the whole match. It really made me think about my priorities. Also, the way my body ached after every training session was a good sign it was time to give it away!
Question: Since retiring how has your diet altered?
Sharelle McMahon: I am nowhere near as strict with my diet now. I allow myself more (and definitely too many!) treats. I'm certainly not as hungry as I was when I was training, so I don't eat as much. At the moment, with the weather warming up, I'm loving fresh salads for dinner and my favourite thing with that would be lamb fillets marinated with mint and rosemary, cooked on the barbecue.
Question: Can you talk us through how your training schedule has changed?
Sharelle McMahon: It has changed dramatically. I have spent most of my life in a structured training environment…told when, where and what training will be. It's really nice now to not have that pressure of HAVING to do a session. I don't play netball at all anymore, so court training is not something I do. My 'training' now is less intense and I'm more likely to go for a run/walk with the pram that anything else.
Question: What are your top tips for Australian women who want to get fit and healthy for Summer and stay fit and healthy?
Sharelle McMahon: I think it's important to try to make eating healthily and exercising a part of your routine…almost like a habit. It is sometimes hard to find time to fit it in, but if you are in the habit of exercising and you make sure you are doing something you enjoy, it is much easier to get fit and stay fit and healthy. Also, train or exercise with a friend or group. I have always found that easier and more fun. It's harder to pull out too when there is someone else relying on you!
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