Ed´s life is the epitome of on-the-go – literally, as he lives and works on a cruise ship. Maintaining a consistent fitness routine was challenging with grueling schedules of up to six months without a break, constant travel, and ever-changing time zones.
Enter Freeletics. Freeletics offered the structure and flexibility Ed needed, while also connecting him with a supportive community that changed his life in ways he never expected. Here’s his story.
Balancing health on the high seas
“Working on a cruise ship can be very demanding, with inconsistent schedules and 13-hour days almost daily. Finding the time, energy, and equipment to fit a workout in, is a massive challenge.
Being an entertainer on cruise ships means that you have very long days, every day, for up to 6 months at a time without a day off. You are in a different place every day, and depending on your schedule, you can be in a different time zone every week.
Each ship is different, some have more equipment than others and sometimes you can't use any of it. I needed something that could cut through all these obstacles and give me clear guidance on a fitness plan, regardless of the challenges.
I have always been a pretty active person, but when it came to structured workouts, gyms, strength training, cardio sessions, etc. I was very much at a loss. I didn't understand all of it, didn't know where to start, and was worried about doing something wrong that would impact me negatively.”
Finding freedom with Freeletics
“When I found Freeletics, I found what I had been looking for. An app that truly set me free of any external factors or any unforeseen changes in my day and really allowed me to show up for myself and work towards my fitness goals.
Freeletics has been a constant and dependable companion to me for many years. My lifestyle is very hectic, erratic even, but having the ability to turn to my phone and open the Freeletics app no matter where I am in the world or what equipment I have or don't have and still enjoy a workout that also allows me to progress toward my fitness goals is something I have been very grateful for.”
Community: the unexpected benefits of Freeletics
“My fitness journey is one of the things I am most proud of in my life. I have found life-long friends, a community, and have achieved dreams that I never thought possible. Making fitness a priority every day (even if it's a small step each day) has opened the world to me in ways I never expected.
One of my biggest challenges has always been being an outsider. I have fought hard to find a community that feels like I belong in it. For a very long time, I faced all my challenges alone, I had no one to turn to, and I had to fight my way to better days.
I never thought I would meet so many people and be introduced to so many incredible, life-changing experiences when I started my fitness journey. I had the incorrect, preconceived notion that fitness was a solitary endeavor unless you were part of a team sport.”
My advice: start slow and give yourself grace
“I am incredibly proud of the friends I have made along the way. I am proud of the chances I dove nose-first for, the ones where I lost, as much as the ones where I won. I am proud of the incredible adventures I have had. I am proud of knowing that I can look back at my life, as difficult as parts of it have been, and know that I wouldn't change a thing about it. I have no regrets because I am proud of knowing that there is still a lot of road left and I have so much left to accomplish.
No one came into this world being incredible. There are people who have natural abilities, yes, but anyone can do anything they want if they simply allow themselves to start at the start.
And don't be afraid to reach out, I have found the fitness community to be one of the friendliest and most supportive communities in the world.”