Wilma Murto is back in action and ready to shine—both on and off the field. In a recent Instagram post, the stunning pole vaulter flaunted her athletic physique in a two-piece workout set during a training session. “We’re on again🔥,” she captioned the snaps, showcasing her dedication to fitness. How does the Finnish athlete stay in top form? Here’s a look at her go-to wellness habits.
Wilma spends a lot of time at the gym strengthening her body. As part of her strength training routine she does weight lifting and pull ups. “Clips from the first three weeks of training. Making this made me understand the discomfort I’m feeling at the moment. Happy to be back to routines and working towards a big year. Love this life despite all the aches and tiredness. P.S. this song got me through the last few sessions. No matter how tired you are, this will make you dance through the last sets,” she captioned a recent post. According to the Mayo Clinic, strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:
- Develop strong bones
- Manage your weight
- Enhance your quality of life
- Manage chronic conditions
- Sharpen your thinking skills
Cold water therapy is on Wilma’s list of recovery methods. In an “Out of Office” video for Red Bull she cold plunges surrounded by snow. There is limited research supporting the benefits of cold plunges, which may include easing sore muscles, bringing body temperature down, increased focus, improved sleep, and decreased inflammation, per the Cleveland Clinic. However, a 2021 study found that cold water immersion therapy promotes basic post-sport recovery.
Wilma enjoys hitting the trails. During a trip to California she went hiking. According to the National Parks Service, the physical benefits of hiking include:
- Building stronger muscles and bones
- Improving your sense of balance
- Improving your heart health
- Decreasing the risk of certain respiratory problems
Wilma understands the importance of stretching. Here she is stretching prior to training. “Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints,” says Harvard Health. “Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are weak and unable to extend all the way. That puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage.”
A big part of pole vaulting is running, so you can find Wilma running on the track. According to the Mayo Clinic, running is great for cardiovascular health, muscle building, and weight loss. “For every mile run, the average person will burn approximately 100 calories,” they say.