Written by Michael Fisicaro (Fizz)
It’s 6:45am, Saturday May 28th 2016 and I am lying in bed nervous yet excited to get up. Why?? Today is my first CrossFit games competition. What am I doing…
Let’s go back 9 months though, to the beginning…
I have always been into lifting weights and strength training but never really challenged myself. I was happy being that guy that can walk in to a session with his mate, have a laugh, a chat and lift some plates, get a pump, drink some protein and walk out again. What was I achieving?
A good friend of mine started a trial at CrossFit 224 in Airport West and said that it was like nothing he’d ever done before and that I should head down for a free trial. Honestly I was sceptical about it all and had no idea what CrossFit was about. The trial consisted of jumping on a rower, running a few hundred metres, air squats, push ups and ring rows all for time. I managed to get through it all, even though it may not have been the best time however it was a start.
From there I signed up to the ‘On Ramp’ program where I started to learn about technique, form and nutrition. It was very daunting rolling up every morning seeing the other athletes doing the workouts as my fitness level and ability to complete the exercises were poor. Usually that would be enough for me to feel like shit and stop but what I found was that the CrossFit family at 224 were so supportive and made sure that no matter what, you finished your workout and achieved a result.
This support and time taken by the trainers and other athletes to be inclusive and have everyone achieve was the number 1 thing that kept me turning up each week. It got so serious that I went and bought my very own pair of Reebok CrossFit Nano 4.0 just so I was part of the club…
Each day brought on new challenges and I felt my conditioning was getting better and better, but it wasn’t all about training, I needed to change up my lifestyle drastically. My weight had blown out and honestly I didn’t like what I was seeing, things that should be easy were difficult. So what to do… I could sit around and keep on the same path doing some exercise and not challenge myself, keep the same lifestyle and still not like what I see OR… get of my arse, put a plan of attack together and set some goals to achieve.
So what were the goals? I liked the idea of competing but always real nervous that I wouldn’t be good enough so that was number 1 – compete in a CrossFit games. Number 2, gotta get my weight down. This means harder training and planning for better nutrition and having a goal that by December 2016 I will be at a goal weight that is realistic, yet challenging. Third was to commit, be focused and keep my eye on the prize.
Since December 2015 I have now dropped 2 shirt sizes and a bunch of weight and I am feeling full of energy and life. Changed my nutrition to limit the amount of shit I put into my body and controlled myself as well as maintaining a strong exercise regime. I still blow out every now and then but hey, we are all human and if you don’t reward yourself there’s no achievement, you just have to be controlled and smart about it.
The biggest thing is that I made it to my CrossFit competition. Saturday 28th May 2016 at 8:54am the judges yelled, 3.. 2.. 1.. GO and I achieved the unthinkable and started the first of 3 WOD’s for the day. It was the probably the most physically and mentally challenging day of my life and I survived it. I was hurting all over and at times was struggling to breath but in the end I left nothing in the tank, I went to the very end and I achieved my goal!
‘The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do, and what you have to do to get where you want to be may not be pretty or come easy…’ Business is no different! What’s your goal??
by Future Force
Future Force was the best fit for me, as I wanted to get into the working field straight after finishing high school.
The best thing about it all is that Future Force offer you excellent schooling about Transport and Logistics as well as providing hands on experience.
My trainer Michael has a lot to do with where I am today, his expertise and persistence in his training has been very helpful within my work.
Since graduating in 2013, I have grown so much within the industry. I have been fortunate to trial different departments to find which best suits me.
The perfect entry point into the world of freight and logistics, extremely skilled and motivated team that really CARE about your career and ambitions, even to the point of keeping touch 5+ years after graduation.
Stefan Sutherland, Business Development Executive
Boundless career opportunities in the freight & logistics industry and highly motivated team that help kickstart your professional career. Family like atmosphere, cannot recommend highly enough.
Emir Osmanagic, LCL Product Lead, Australia and New Zealand
When I started my traineeship, I quickly realised that I had a limited understanding of the industry and experience in an office environment. After meeting weekly with my Future Force trainer for the two year period of my traineeship, I was able to learn about the logistics industry efficiently, while maintaining a comfortable pace for me to grasp concepts strongly. Not only have I built skills within my workplace, but also organisational and life skills.
Declan Broderick, Operations all rounder
As a fresh faced teenager in 2003, I was fortunate enough to commence my traineeship under the guidance of the Future Force team. They provided me the necessary tools to be successfully employed at market leading international freight forwarder, along with comprehensive training, knowledge & skills required to succeed in my position as the national leading cargo insurance sales rep today!
Jeremy McNamara, Business Development Executive