Interview: Franzi on fitness motivation and her beginnings in CrossFit

Franziska Jeschky, aka train.for.nutella, is a fitness influencer who recently transitioned from strength training to CrossFit. Micha Østergaard asked her a few questions, and Franzi tells us how, when she was just starting out in strength training, she found so much motivation and encouragement from more experienced athletes on Instagram. She's now one of them herself, sharing her tips and experiences with fitness enthusiasts. Her latest challenge: CrossFit!

Franzi, you have the successful Instagram account @train.for.nutella – what were your reasons for starting it?

I started weight training in 2013 and discovered that Instagram was a great platform for getting tips and motivation. When I started getting feedback on my posts and realized that I could also motivate people, it became a bit of an addiction. I enjoy interacting with other athletes, and friendships have even developed from it.

You recently started CrossFit. How come?

I've had the idea for a long time, but I really lacked the courage. You see pictures and videos of CrossFitters everywhere and think, "I'll never be able to do that!" But life is boring without a challenge, so you face it and see what happens. Pure strength training has become too monotonous for me, and I don't just want to be strong, I want to be really fit physically and mentally. Two components that are simply a given in CrossFit. I was also interested in training in a team again and meeting new people who all share the same passion. In the gym, very few people even get a "hello" out of their mouths, and that's always really frustrating for someone like me.

How do you overcome situations that require mental strength? Do you have a pattern for dealing with such situations?

In general, I try to think in terms of solutions, not problems. It's no use telling myself that I can't do something anyway because it's too difficult, too ambitious, or too far away. I try to look at the situation from the outside and ask myself what I need to do to actually achieve it. The most important thing is to keep going, even in the face of setbacks, and always keep the goal in mind.

Since redesigning your training, do you feel like you need to pay more attention to your recovery? If so, how do you do it?

I actually had to improvise this morning because my body was reacting to the different movements. My shoulders are sore from the unusual strain, and my legs are sore from all the squats. So I did some very light cardio instead of my usual Monday leg day. I listen to my body; it tells me pretty precisely what it needs and doesn't need. Apart from that, I recommend everyone get enough sleep and, above all, really unwind before bed. Lie in bed with a book, not your phone. On rest days, I stretch and roll around the living room on the Blackroll.

Which 3 supplements would you take every day if you had to choose?

If I have to choose, it's my whey protein powder, because otherwise my porridge doesn't taste good and I can't get enough protein. Vitamin D3 is on my daily schedule. Whether it's winter or summer...we live in Berlin, so we don't get much sun. Last but not least, BCAA powder, which I drink dissolved in water during my workout, since I have a hard time getting water down on its own.

Where in your training routine do you have the greatest room for improvement, and why? (Nutrition, recovery, training?)

I see my greatest potential for improvement in training. I'd like to be able to do burpees without an oxygen tent soon. The same applies to running. One of my weak points is cardio and anything that falls into the HIIT category. CrossFit will soon reveal my other weaknesses, I'm quite certain of that. While watching, I've already seen which exercises I won't be able to do in terms of strength, but I'll take on these challenges as well.

Thank you, Franzi! Finally, do you have any tips you'd like to share with our readers?

Sometimes just do it and don't think about it! Life is far too short for "maybe later."

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