"I managed to find a balance between my rugby training, Mana sessions and study which put me in a really good and healthy place"...

Not easy for most unless your goal is a scary one.

Meet Oscar, one of our most recent athletes who joined us in early 2022. 

After winning a premiership title with Harlequins rugby club this year, he was the selected in the Victorian Axemen state team. Oscar shows great determination and consistency in all aspects of his training. He is also a wonderful role model and a person with great values.

SO OSCAR, WHAT DID YOU FIND CHALLENGING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH S&C AT MANA FITNESS?

Starting was the most difficult thing for me. I had been thinking about it for some time but was uncertain whether it was the right choice for me.

HOW DID YOU OVERCOME IT?

I spoke with some friends who had worked with Jose before and after hearing their experiences, it felt like the right decision, so I joined and have loved it ever since.

WHAT DID YOU ENJOY THE MOST ABOUT BEING AT MANA?

Being able to work out with friends made the sessions really fun and the crew at Mana helped me stay motivated to achieve my goals as well as excited for each session. 

WHAT WAS THE NUMBER ONE HABIT THAT YOU DIDN'T FEEL COMFORTABLE TO LET GO OF?

Snacking, I have a habit of going for simple snacks if I'm feeling bored or am too lazy to make a proper meal. 

IS IT STILL HOLDING YOU BACK OR HAVE YOU CONQUERED IT? HOW?

I noticed at the start of the season that I had a real motivation from working out consistently that I was putting significant effort into eating well. This seemed to just happen naturally from putting in all the effort in with Jose and the team and wanting to make sure I wasn't wasting it. While I still would have the urge to just grab a snack, the majority of the time I would put in the time to make sure I was eating well and having proper meals.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE WHO MIGHT BE IN THE SAME POSITION AS YOU WERE, BEFORE STARTING THIS JOURNEY?

I'd say for anyone feeling the same as I did to just bite the bullet and give it a go. It was evident within the first few sessions that it was something which was definitely going to help me.

ARE THERE ANY LESSONS YOU LEARNED?

The benefits of combining consistent and structured strength sessions with healthy eating and team trainings. I managed to find a balance between my rugby training, Mana sessions and study which put me in a really good and healthy place.

TELL US A FUN FACT THAT NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT YOU?

I grew up in Tasmania on a farm with my family, where we raised pigs and cows.

Thank you Oscar for trusting us. 

Ana & Jose