Brandi Sayedzada, who goes by the name Isis Immortal when she straps on her roller skates, decided to start the Southern Slayer Derby Dames flat track roller derby league after a long sleepless night.
The 26-year-old Smiths Station, Ala. native had recently lost her and was looking for something to occupy her time while she searched for another one.
“I was looking all over the Internet trying to find a group or something that I could join that would help get me out of the house,” she said. “And I’ve always wanted to do roller derby and no one’s ever brought it to Columbus, so I was like, ‘You know what? I’m gonna do it.’ And so I did.”
Sayedzada created a Facebook page and it was instantly picked up by a local news station. From there, she said things just kept growing.
She caught the attention of Naomi Wainwright, 27, who has participated in roller derby leagues in Texas and Kentucky, including the sports seminal league Texas Rollergirls.
Wainwright serves as an unofficial trainer for the league, which is still in its infancy: many of the participants are still learning the basics of skating and the sport of roller derby.
In addition to running drills during standard practice times, Wainwright is starting a bootcamp, which is open to everyone (not just those participating in the roller derby league), and begins on Jan. 1 at Lakebottom Park.
Wainwright took the time to answer some questions last week via email. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
You were a figure skater, which you said was a helpful precursor to roller derby. For those with a more limited skating past, what are some of the muscles that need to be trained/strengthened to increase effectiveness on the track?
Quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus maximus and medius, hip flexors and all abdominal muscles. Also ankle strength and flexibility is vital to prevent injuries.
What kind of exercise regimen are you going to be advocating and leading during your bootcamp?
It is going to be a fusion workout. Obviously focusing on building up skating muscles and stamina but also, yoga and meditation for your mental well-being and HIIT workouts for the bursts of max cardio and muscular demand that is required in all bouts. (Ed. note: “Bout” is roller derby lingo for game. Each individual match within the bout is called a jam.) The workouts will be focused on helping everyone find their inner athlete and realizing their potential.
What are some things that people can do on their own time to improve their skating strength?
Skate skate skate. The only way you’re going to get better at something is to do it till you want to puke. And squats.
Do you think you’ll offer the bootcamp again if you get a good enough turn out this go-round?
Absolutely. I’m also planning on having a post-natal boot camp for new moms if I get enough interest.
Is there anything people should know before coming to your bootcamp?
It is $20 for the whole month or $3 per walk-in. Be prepared for nutrition challenges. If you cheat on your diet or do not push yourself, the only person you hurt is yourself.
Do you have any kind of fitness instructor background or are you creating the workouts based on your own personal experience?
I am actually in the process of getting my NASM (National Academy of Sport Medicine certification). Experiences have brought me to this point in life where I found my calling. I have always wanted to give back to people and help them grow and this is where I seem to fit into that bigger picture.
I went from rookie skater with the Texas Roller Girls to captain of the Derby City Rollergirls and a member of the training committee to head coach of the Burn City Rollers and now helping train the Southern Slayer Derby Dames. I want to keep growing and keep expanding and helping others in this fashion. I have a dream of someday having my own studio where I can train people and have specialized groups with fitness, yoga, dance and nutrition classes.
