Adrian Mundwiler is a professional CrossFit athlete and BRAINEFFECT Pro Team member. Micha Østergaard asked him a few questions, and Adrian tells us how he, as a former ice hockey player, got into CrossFit and why mental strength is often more important than pure muscle strength.
You were once an ice hockey player, but an injury ended your professional career. Were you convinced from the start that you would be just as good at CrossFit?
No, definitely not. I still remember the days when I tried to teach myself snatches and muscle-ups. In CrossFit, it's always important to compare facts and figures, and so I quickly realized I still had a long way to go. I had already acquired some good basic skills from hockey, but I still had a lot to learn. After I ended my hockey career, there was a big hole in my life... and I knew from the start that I wanted to be successful in CrossFit and not just do it for fun.
What was the hardest part for you when you transitioned from ice skating to CrossFit? And what was the easiest?
Hmm, it was hard to learn so many new things – also because I didn't have a coach. I always just filmed myself training, watched it, and tried to correct myself. I like thinking about ways to move better and more efficiently. The best part for me, though, was switching from a team sport to an individual sport. I love being responsible for myself, my training, and my success. In ice hockey, you could have a bad day and still win the game because there were 19 other guys on the rink with you. In CrossFit, it's all about me. If I have a bad day, no one is there to help me.
What sets you apart from other athletes?
I think it's mainly two things. First, my training structure. I'm my own coach and follow my own program. My philosophy is to take each day as it comes. For example, if I wake up feeling good and rested, I start an intensive training program. But if there's a day when I don't feel well and less rested, etc., then I reduce the weight or change other things. The second thing is my mental strength. There are definitely athletes who are physically better than me but lose in competitions. During my ice hockey career, we sometimes had three games a week, so I'm used to competitions and know how to stay mentally strong.
Is your mental strength something you have worked on?
Not anymore... I worked on it when I was younger, but now I feel really good.
We know you spend all day at the gym, but what about your diet? Do you follow a special diet?
No! I just know what's good for my body and what I like to eat during training or competitions. But I don't pay attention to anything special.
What supplements do you use as part of your daily routine?
I take proteins, BCAA, krill oil, SLEEP and ROCKET C8.
What do you do to recover better? And how serious are you about giving yourself enough rest?
Hmm, I could probably do a lot more... I don't do anything special. If I feel tired or in pain, I just take a day off.
Do you use any supplements to help you recover?
Yes, I started taking SLEEP and I feel much more rested in the morning since I started taking it.
How is your sleep in general? How many hours do you try to sleep each night?
My goal is to sleep at least 7 hours each night, but I think I average 6-7 hours per night.
Thank you, Adrian! Finally, what is the most important thing you do to feel confident on the competition stage?
I simply remind myself of what I have been training for day after day and that now is the time to show it.
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