hunt FOR DENIM

the hunt for denim in berlin Bastian I page 15
power,
speed, balance
crossfit
Facts: CrossFit aims to build both strength and conditioning with a
focus on endurance, stamina, strength, power, speed, coordination,
agility, balance, and accuracy. The program is a varied mix of aerobic
exercise, gymnastics, weight exercises, and olympic weight lifting.
A session typically includes a warm-up, a skill development segment, a high
intensity “workout of the day” ending with individual or group stretching.
Facts about AXT CrossFit was established in 2013 and
is located in the RAW area in Friedrichshain.
»...I guess I have
become addicted...«
Why did you come to Berlin?
»About six years ago I was invited to a friend’s house in
Berlin for the weekend. I had been playing with the idea
of getting a job in Berlin for some months. I applied for a
job in the same weekend, got it, and then I was like ”okay
– Berlin it is”. So I went home, sold my car and used the
money to move to Berlin«.
What was your first job?
»The first job I got I quit after two weeks! It was at a call
centre. A shitty and very stressful job. It was horrible
actually. But I was making it. I earned money to pay for
rent and the stuff I needed, so overall I was happy. Many
people struggle to find a job in Berlin, so I was grateful
that I had one. It just wasn’t me and I was lucky to get
the opportunity to start as an IT apprentice in the same
company«.
larger champagne and drinks companies and they
had asked me to get a tax number so that they could hire
me to take pictures at events. Since then I have been
doing a lot of photo-shoots of events, nature and other
moments. I like to capture the moment, expressions in
people’s faces, feelings – that’s what excites me about
photography«.
How much do you work out?
»I try to come here 4-5 times a week. There are group
sessions each hour but sometimes I train 30 minutes
with weights by myself as a warm-up - so I guess I have
become addicted. You don’t need to be here that much to
get in shape«.
When did you start with CrossFit?
»About a year ago, I met Daniel the manager of AXT at a
nightclub. He told me that they had just opened this new box
of CrossFit. They were just getting started and didn’t have
much equipment – actually we didn’t even have a heater.
He offered me the first month for free and I decided to
try it out«.
What made you apply as a member?
»I really like the atmosphere here. Before joining I was a
member of a traditional gym with no plans of what I wanted
to get out of it. Here at AXT there is a strong group culture.
Each session is a group session where we boost each other
and use each other as obstacles.
Everybody here is passionate about learning the right
techniques and skills and I have gotten a lot of friends
here. The membership keeps me on the right track and
helps me figure out what’s important in life«.
Any advice to a CrossFit beginner?
»It is important but not essential that you have done
sports before. You need to know your body, your strength
and how your body reacts to different exercises. At AXT
it is important with some sports underwear since there
is only one heater and that’s in the restroom! Some
lifting shoes or shoes with good stabilisation is a must. An
open mind and willingness to learn new exercises is also
a good thing«.
How did that “work out”?
»Well you often hear that IT is the future and I thought
that was the way to go. But I found it boring and
tasteless. I was working in a team that solved syntax errors.
That was their passion – not mine. I found out that I really
don’t care about IT problems. The last six years in Berlin
has in that way been a journey for me. A journey to find out
who I am, who I want to be. What I want, what I won’t and
what I want to surround myself with«.
Have you found your true passion then?
»Photography has been a hobby of mine for many years but
the last four years I have kicked it up a notch. I have some
friends in Munich who does events for some