Challenge your body hard while also giving it time for the necessary recovery: Natalie Ismail is a passionate CrossFit athlete and avid functional bodybuilder. She knows exactly how important the interplay of physical fitness and recovery is. Patrick from the BRAINEFFECT team had the pleasure of speaking with Natalie about mental performance, goals/success, and functional bodybuilding in general.
Patrick: What do you generally do for your “mental health”?
Natalie: That's an important question, because it all starts in the mind! I'm convinced that everyone is responsible for their own happiness in life. It's wonderful to have great people around you who guide and support you, but ultimately, everyone decides for themselves what they want to achieve. I love surrounding myself with people who pursue the same goals as me; it gives me strength and makes me happy. I create my "perfect day" every day. This includes being aware of what I want and how I want to live. Living my "perfect day" makes me mentally healthy because it's what I love! This includes, among other things, exercising, being in nature, enjoying the sun, and living mindfully .
Patrick: How did you get into FBB (functional bodybuilding)?
Natalie: Because of my wrist tendonitis two years ago! As an athlete, there's nothing worse than not being able to train without pain. I wanted to be healthy and happy while training, without wrist pain. So I started researching what I could do about it and came across the FBB website. After a few days of training, I suddenly realized how good I felt and decided to delve deeper into OPEX and FBB. I met my current coach, Marcus Filly, and began researching everything.
Patrick: Were you always convinced that you could achieve all your goals, or was there a process of experience and learning?
Natalie: Oh yes, there were thousands of learning and experience processes. Nothing came easily; I often thought I couldn't do it, or maybe I shouldn't do it at first. Overcoming the uncertainty and simply doing it despite my own doubts helped me get closer to my goals, even overcoming some resistance from my environment. Especially when you set high goals, you need patience and a daily routine.
Patrick: Are there things you have done or continue to do repeatedly throughout your career to empower yourself or to work towards a goal?
Natalie: Yes, there is! I need my daily routine; it gives me stability. It's the small, daily steps that pave the way to success. It's often the simple things that make the difference, like cooking for yourself every day, taking time for yourself, or being grateful for being able to live this life healthily.
Patrick: Are there any affirmations you tell yourself regularly?
Natalie: “I am my own light!”
This originally comes from yoga. As a yoga teacher, I am very sensitive and mindful of myself and my environment.
Patrick: What do you do when you feel like everything is too much?
Natalie: I try to take more time for myself and spend more time outdoors in nature or doing sports, as these are things that I love incredibly much.
Patrick: Can you name any special personal characteristics and skills that have helped you achieve success?
Natalie: Mental strength is especially important before competitions. Training is over, preparation is complete, and now everything depends on your mind. In moments like these, I like to look back and see what I've already achieved and tell myself that what's coming next will make me even stronger. I'm positive and excited about what's to come. Talking to my coach also helps me stay calm and approach the competition with clarity.
Patrick: When do you become insecure?
Natalie: Uncertainty starts in the mind. If I'm not properly prepared, it can lead to insecurity. That's why preparing for certain events is very important to me in order to handle them as well as possible.
Patrick: What would you like to be better at? (mentally)
Natalie: That's a good question, and there are a few things. For example, I find it difficult to overcome my shyness when communicating with people who mean a lot to me and whom I look up to. It's sometimes hard for me to let go and tell myself, "It's okay the way things are now, life goes on."
Episode 68 | Mental Training - Awaken Your Mental Strength for More Success - With Antje Heimsoeth (Part 1/2)
Patrick: What supplements do you take?
Natalie: I see supplements as a complement to a healthy diet. I pay particular attention to quality! I love all Evope Nutrition products, especially the High Quality Egg Protein Cocoa and SLEEP from BRAINEFFECT. I take these products daily.
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Patrick: Is there anyone who inspires you to achieve more? If so, why?
Natalie: Yes, definitely. That's my coach, Marcus Filly. He gives me so much strength and constantly inspires me to get to know my body in a new way. But it's not just about training; it's about all areas of life. Life outside of the gym is just as important as training in the gym.
Patrick: Was there ever a situation that triggered you to want to achieve more?
Natalie: Sure! These situations happen often, but once you figure out what you really want, you stop comparing yourself to others. I used to want to be this or that because someone else had done it and achieved it, but these days I'm more relaxed and focus on myself and nothing else!
Patrick: How would you describe your basic personality?
Natalie: That sounds like self-reflection! I'm determined when it comes to something I truly love! I mainly do things that excite me. My strengths include structure and passion. What I still need to work on is the necessary composure for things that don't work out right away.
Patrick: Do you have any mental advice for our readers?
Natalie: Tips are only as good as their implementation. I know countless people who know exactly how it works in theory. For example, how they could best lose weight. But they can't put it into practice. I recommend getting help from a coach, whether it's with nutrition/training or in other areas.
