By: Jane Swipe

Alisa Valieva, a former rhythmic gymnastics champion turned wellness advocate, has a remarkable story filled with resilience, determination, and a strong passion for helping others. A master of her craft, Alisa has overcome significant obstacles in sports and transitioned into becoming a key figure in gymnastics recovery and flexibility training. Today, she’s on a mission to make stretching more accessible for everyone. NY Weekly sat down with Alisa to discuss her inspiring career and the lessons she’s learned.

Q: Alisa, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us about your early challenges in your athletic career?

Alisa Valieva (AV): Of course! My path wasn’t always easy. When I was three, my mom, who dreamed of becoming a ballerina, tried enrolling me in ballet classes. Unfortunately, they didn’t accept me, saying I was too young. The same thing happened with figure skating—the training schedule didn’t fit for me. These early rejections led me to rhythmic gymnastics. At first, I only trained for fun, but by the time I was eight, my coaches saw some potential, which changed the direction of my journey.

Q: It sounds like things started to fall into place once you discovered rhythmic gymnastics. What was it like transitioning to serious training at such a young age?

AV: It was a transformative experience. At age eight, I moved to homeschooling to dedicate more time to training, often spending hours in the gym each day. My parents made numerous sacrifices to support me. My father, an engineer, and my mother, an accountant, contributed much of their income toward my costumes, equipment, and competition fees. Their dedication motivated me, and I wanted to make them proud.

Q: You started competing internationally at an early age. Tell us about that experience.

AV: Those were some of the intense but rewarding years. At 11, I represented Israel in competitions, and by age 12, I was competing for Kazakhstan, winning a bronze medal as part of the Russian Youth Team. At 16, I moved to Moscow to train with the elite Moscow Rhythmic Gymnastics Team. Those years were critical in shaping me as a rhythmic gymnast. I had the opportunity to win gold at Russian tournaments in 2016 and 2018 and won the Moscow Championship in 2018. However, despite the excitement, it came with many sacrifices and physical challenges.

Q: Injuries are often a reality for athletes. How did they impact your career?

AV: Injuries were, unfortunately, a major turning point for me. By 2018, my body could no longer handle the intense demands, and I had to retire from competitive rhythmic gymnastics. It was one of the difficult decisions I’ve ever made. Gymnastics had been my life. However, stepping away also offered me a new perspective, leading me to coaching and recovery, which has been immensely rewarding.

Q: What inspired you to move into coaching, and how have you approached it differently?

AV: Coaching allowed me to stay connected to the sport while passing on my knowledge to the next generation. I worked in Verona and New Jersey in 2019 before returning to Moscow in 2020 to focus on stretching coaching. While working with athletes, I noticed how crucial flexibility and proper recovery are in preventing injuries. I draw upon my personal experiences, as I understand how devastating injuries can be. My focus is on teaching proper techniques that balance strength and flexibility.

Q: You’ve mentioned injury prevention as a key focus. Could you elaborate on that?

AV: Absolutely. During my time with the Russian national rhythmic gymnastics team, I saw firsthand how vital warm-ups and stretching were in reducing the risk of injuries. If muscles aren’t warmed up, the likelihood of strain or damage increases. Stretching helps prepare the body for intense activity and prevents unnecessary strain. I always tell my athletes, “You can’t train at half effort, but you also need to respect your body’s limits.” Recovery is equally important. I focus on creating tailored recovery plans for injured gymnasts, incorporating gradual reintroduction to training and mental support to help rebuild their confidence.

Q: You’ve also made a name for yourself online. How has social media played a role in your career?

AV: Social media has been such an exciting chapter for me. In 2022, two of my Instagram reels went viral. One featured stretching exercises inspired by Sharon Stone’s style, and the other focused on simple stretches anyone can do at home. Through these platforms, I’ve been able to reach thousands of people globally, sharing stretching techniques and the message that flexibility is for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level.

Q: What’s your ultimate mission with your current work?

AV: My mission is to change the way people think about stretching. It’s not just something for athletes. Stretching helps alleviate muscle tension, improves circulation, prevents injury, and aids recovery. It’s a holistic practice that can benefit the entire body. I want to create a community where people feel healthier and empowered to take care of their bodies sustainably.

Q: What’s next for Alisa Valieva?

AV: I have big plans! I am working on expanding my online courses so everyone can learn how to stretch properly when they have free time, and I’m currently planning on opening a stretching studio in Los Angeles. I see LA as the ideal place to further my mission because people there are already so health-conscious. My goal is to create not just a studio but a space that inspires movement and recovery.

Q: Do you have any words of advice for readers who want to start their own flexibility or wellness journeys?

AV: Yes! Start slow and be consistent. You don’t have to be an expert to begin stretching. Even ten minutes a day can lead to significant improvements over time. Listen to your body and enjoy the process. Remember, flexibility is not just for performance; it’s for health and longevity.

Alisa Valieva’s story is one of overcoming obstacles, redefining success, and helping others unlock their potential. From rhythmic gymnastics competitions to coaching, from viral social media content to building a studio empire, she continues to inspire thousands. One stretch at a time, she’s making the world healthier and more flexible.

Alisa Valieva’s Instagram: @alisevalieva

Published by Joseph T.