Fernando has been a member of MT for nearly 2 years, in this time he has made noticeable improvements, he is passionate about CrossFit and he's always looking for a new challenge.
He trains hard but also knows how to keep it fun.
Below his Fernando`s journey in his own words
You've been CrossFitting for a little while now. Tell us about your journey from beginning until now.
got introduced to CrossFit by a couple of personal trainers at my old gym (these two blokes are now well known in the CrossFit community). One of them made me do a work out know as FRAN…I said to myself that looks easy , tried it and it took me 21 minutes to complete. I fell in love with CrossFit right there an then. I trained hard at the local gym, however I found it to be monotonous. I needed a challenge along with feeling the sense of accomplishment. It was not a hard decision when PJ and Luke Anderson invited me to try out CrossFit for a week. Never looked back. This coming February will be my 4th year doing CrossFit and perhaps my 4th Open (depending how the body feels).
You moved from another box nearly two years ago now. Can you share a little about your time at Metal Therapy and how it has shaped your training?
he elements which I learned at my previous box were just sufficient for me to get a workout and get stronger, however the lack of proper technique made me plateau and not progress in achieving heavier lifts in the Olympic Lifting elements. Not focusing in proper technique, lead to a serious of injuries (specially on my shoulders, wrists and lower back). Since meeting Gab this changed dramatically. I still remember the first time he saw me do a back squat and a snatch…he made me start from scratch, and even though I felt frustrated I knew that he was right. Now my lifting techniques, strength and mobility have improved enormously. The re-occurring injuries also stopped.
You have been incredibly consistent and putting in the hard yards these past months. It is clear that you've got some goals and desires. What are they and what are you doing to reach them?
umber one goal is to attend at least 5 sessions of CrossFit a week! By doing this I know that in return it will help me achieve my 85 KG Snatch, 110KG OHS and (my main focus) C2B Butterfly P/Ups.
85 KG Snatch – working on my snatch balance has helped me drop under the bar quicker. I know I have the strength to do it, this is why working on my technique is my number one priority.
110 KG OHS – my PB is 100kg right now…working on my core strength and keeping the body firm while doing the movement has helped me increase the weight. To improve the below the knee squat (better than parallel) I have practiced the movement with a lighter weight usually 60kg.
CB2 Butterfly pull ups- After 2 years of practice I learner the butterfly movement, now is just more practice before or after the session to get this movement.
You have shown incredible growth too. Focusing on your technique and consistently working on feedback. Your hard work is paying off. Can you tell us what feedback you've been given to help you grow and how this feedback has helped you get closer to your goals?
Don’t get frustrated, focus on the steps of technique, keep the core nice and tight and best of all enjoy the lift and it will happen. Some of the most successful sports personalities are good at what they do because they enjoy every moment of it!!
There are so many of your lifts that are reaping the benefits, but noticeably it has been your Olympic Lifts. Can you tell us a bit about your approach to Olympic lifting?
One of the main aspects is making sure my body is really warmed up, ask questions to the coach on how to better improve a particular movement.
You lead a busy life with a demanding job and sometimes you can't make it into the usual class slots, but you've made sure you still get to training and do what needs to be done. Even if it means training on your own. How do you juggle it all? Where do you get the motivation from to go in and train by yourself?
I need to make sure I can attend the classes including the Olympic lifting classes. So I have committed to schedule my week in advance to make sure work does not interfere, along with my kids sports commitments. It’s amazing how many things you can get done in one day! At times I will do a CrossFit session, have a shower at the box and head to do my work appointment in the evenings. I guess the right type of music when working out by yourself is important, this is a great motivator plus looking at my gut in the morning also helps J
You are, without doubt, one of the funniest, cheekiest blokes in the box. Let us in on some of the cheekiest moments you've had in the box....?!
I forgot my short’s once and I had to wod Alex Fresta Style J (I love you Alex)…
Now, we know you love your music and need some wicked tunes pumping with your iron. Can you share with us your ultimate lifting soundtrack?
EL CHAPO and or SHOOK ONES Prt 2
We've all got that one movement that makes us groan. What's yours?
Back Squatting and or Front Squatting
What's are your other favourites and what's to love about them?
Thrusters - I love this movement, it is a total body workout and I decided is either this movement or burpees. I love Thrusters to death!
Now for those that don't know you, we are going to be thrown into the wicked world of Fernando....
.... if you only had to get out of bed in the morning for one thing, what would that thing be and why?
Go to the toilet so I don’t wet the bed
.... if you could go back and redo any moment in your life, what would that moment be and why?
I don’t live with no regrets. I will still do the same things all over again!
.... if you were a cocktail, what ingredients would it have and what would your cocktail be called and why?
THE FC (it does not stand for Fu!!!%%% Cu**&&^^) A large & Full glass of Ice Cubes, two shots of Gin, Lemon Cest (skin ) inside the glass plus with tonic.
.... if you were given the luxury of unlearning one thing you'd learnt in your life, what would it be and why?
Burpees – Hate them – make me puke
.... if you had the opportunity to join any band, which band would it be and why?
Kings of Leon – I love their southern slang
.... if you were invisible for a month, what would you do and why?
Smack everyone in the throat that has done wrong by me
.... if you could fulfil one thing on your bucket list tomorrow, what would you choose and why?
Re new my wedding vows and have another wedding celebration with all new and long life friends
Looking ahead, how would you describe the Fernando you are going to be in a year's time?
I will still be the same Fernando, except with a 6 pack instead of a two pack
In the middle of a WOD, what animal would best represent you?
Gorilla
You've been asked to write a sales pitch for Crossfit. How would you pitch it?
The feeling of a new challenge everyday! This is CrossFit
Crossfit Inc. decide to name and design a WOD in your honour. What would the 'Fernando' WOD be?
1 RFT; Sec A
10 OHS 40/60KG
50 D/Unders
150 Metre Run
8 OHS
50 D/unders
150 Metre Run
6 OHS
50 D/Unders
150 Metre Run
4 OHS
50 D/Unders
150 Metre Run
2 min Break
6 min Cap: Sec B
Find your 1 RM Snatch