Award-winning athlete says he still has a lot to learn
dubai — Thirty minutes of daily activity. That’s all it takes to boost the average person’s general health and wellbeing. But for award-winning athlete Eryc Ortiz, it takes just a little bit more to maintain his impressive title.
Training for around 18 hours per week, Ortiz’s hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed. The Columbian expatriate, who works as a calisthenics trainer in Dubai, is the current title-holder of ‘Battle of the Bars’ champion, but it doesn’t stop there.
He also holds the crown for ‘World Champion of Street Workout’ (2014 and 2015), as well as the title for ‘World Cup Workout 2014’. Now that’s what 18 hours of training a week gets you.
Speaking to Khaleej Times fresh from performing a one-arm planche (an impressive hand balancing movement on horizontal bars), the title of ‘champion’ may
The best thing about street workouts is, there is no limits. You can perfect all the tricks and techniques in the world, but new moves are always coming out.” Eryc Ortiz, award-winning athlete
mean Ortiz is one of the best in the business when it comes to street workouts, but he said he still has a lot to learn.
“The best thing about street workouts is, there is no limits. You can perfect all the tricks and techniques in the world, but new moves are always coming out. That means you always have to push yourself harder.”
It’s that constant challenge that makes him love what he does.
Ortiz only started competing competitively in calisthenics about two years ago, but the journey from amateur to champion has been a journey to remember.
“Any trophy you win is great motivation, but winning that title of champion is the best feeling in the world. People also expect more of me now, and I like that pressure. You need nerves to make more things possible.”
When it comes to training, he said conditioning is his main focus. And of the 18 hours of training he does each week, around 13 hours are spent focusing on mobility and stretching, with five hours dedicated to perfecting skills and techniques.
When it comes to this weekend’s Dubai Fitness Challenge, his focus for the ‘Battle of the Bars’ competition is simple.
“It’s all about positivity. I will put my training to the test and try my hardest to keep my title from last year’s win.”
kelly@khaleejtimes.com