At 54, Omar Naas leads a demanding professional life as the Team Head of Business Engineering. But behind the spreadsheets and strategy meetings lies a dream that requires something entirely different: physical resilience. Omar is chasing the bold goal of sailing solo around the world—a test not just of skill and courage, but of strength, stamina, and endurance.
There was just one problem. “After 20 years of almost no sport, I felt tired and low on energy,” Omar says. “If I wanted to take this sailing dream seriously, I needed to get my body on board, too.”
He had tried various forms of exercise over the years—cycling, gym workouts, even running—but nothing clicked. “Cycling took too much time, the gym was boring and I was always alone, and running just isn’t my thing,” he explains. Motivation was inconsistent, results were limited, and the dream stayed on hold.
Then a neighbor suggested he try private coaching with Erik at CrossFit Kreis 9. “The idea was to commit to at least four sessions and just see what happens. So I did.”
What happened was a complete shift in mindset—and performance. “Training with Erik was fun, extremely professional, and he consistently pushed me to my limits—and sometimes beyond 😅,” Omar recalls with a smile.
For the first three months, Omar committed to two personal training sessions per week. As his fitness, strength, and confidence improved, he transitioned into three group CrossFit classes per week while keeping one monthly private session with Erik to track progress and stay sharp.
To support his physical transformation, Omar also took part in a nutrition consultation with Erik. “It was nothing extreme. Just small, smart changes—like eating breakfast every day and cutting carbs in the evening. I lost fat without feeling deprived.”
Six months later, the results speak for themselves.
“I’ve lost 4 to 5 kilos. But even more important is how I feel—more energy, improved strength and endurance, sharper focus at work. And on the boat? The difference is night and day. Everything just feels easier and more controlled.”
What surprised Omar most was how much he came to enjoy the training. “CrossFit is fun because you’re in a group with all kinds of people—young, old, male, female, international—and everyone motivates each other. It’s nothing like the gym experience I had before.”
He’s also quick to point out how perfect CrossFit is for sailing preparation. “It builds exactly what you need on a boat—strength, endurance, balance, and explosive power. You need all of that when you’re out in offshore conditions.”
And what’s been the most meaningful takeaway? “Being fit and strong. It sounds simple, but it changes everything—your energy, confidence, focus. It’s a true game changer in every part of life.”
From feeling drained to chasing the open sea—Omar’s journey is proof that it’s never too late to pursue bold dreams with strength and purpose.
