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Meet the athlete: Dominic Berger aka. Dangerletix

Be careful, it will be dangerous. At least in name. But Dominic Berger aka 'Dangerletix' also likes things to be, well, a little more “extreme”.

After his sporting beginnings were in football, he was also a triathlete, is a crossfitter, a Freeletics “maniac”, and in this role is also an ambassador for Salzburg and is always chasing the next challenge, always looking for another opportunity to do so he says “to get to know me even better.”

When he's not doing his work at the Salzburg airport fire department (although you can find him here in every free moment, especially in the weight room), he likes to run up the mountains on touring skis, windsurf or motivate others as a personal trainer, really all on his own to get out. Of course, he actively participates in every exercise during the workouts, as a “bonus” training, so to speak.

But let's let him speak for himself, this is Domi... sorry, 'Dangerletix'.

Did you start with football and later on at a semi-professional level?

Dominic Berger: Yes, football was something I did from early childhood, so it was my first contact with sport itself. That lasted until 25. But then it came to the point where it no longer gave me the challenging stimulus that I always need when exercising, which is why I looked for something new.

That's how you got into triathlon?

Dominic Berger: One day I watched the Mondsee triathlon, thought to myself: “I can do that too!” and started training. After a year I took part in the same event over the Olympic distance and completed it in 2:20 hours. Triathlon was then something I did intensively for the next three years, mainly over the Olympic distance, a few times also the sprint distance. Well, then something new had to be found, a new incentive to measure against.

And this was...?

Dominic Berger: Freeletics. That was just the time when it became really popular here. And since I was looking for something new anyway, I thought to myself: “Give it a try.” So I did it, regularly 4 times a week. At some point the company asked me whether I would like to become a Freeletics ambassador for Salzburg. Here again: Why not? I also incorporate many of these concepts and exercises into my training as a personal trainer.

Another hobby of yours is Crossfit, how did that come about?

Dominic Berger: Crossfit and Freeletics are very similar in some ways, especially when it comes to their high-intensity nature. And when Freeletics no longer gave me the kick, I tried out this sport, initially alongside Freeletics but quickly also as another way to explore my potential and push myself. I also take part in a few contests from time to time and have already managed to secure the winning spot.

 

Otherwise, do you still do windsurfing?

Dominic Berger: This is also a huge hobby of mine. Above all, the spirit that this sport conveys, as a balance to all the other things, so to speak. Windsurfing is something that allows me to switch off completely and I always get into a real flow. I recently became the Sporting Manager at Lakesurfers Salzburg.

Another of these recreational sports for me is touring skiing. In the winter with a few good friends up the mountains, just great.

 

How do you combine work and sport?

Dominic Berger: I work at Salzburg Airport, fire department and building services, so I train before and after my shifts. However, we recently got a small weight room, so now we have that in between.

 

Otherwise, are you also a personal trainer?

Dominic Berger: In doing so, I turned a hobby of mine into a career. To motivate others, to convey this spirit of sport to them and to help them achieve their goals. There's hardly anything better.

What do we hear from you in training when you want to give up?

Dominic Berger: I sometimes give you a verbal kick in the ass, I'll even yell at you if I need to: “Go faster. Ned so lazy!!!”. Well, I'm not that bad, but there's a bit of a boot camp style to it. It’s not called “Dangerletix” for nothing. People want that too, to be motivated and pushed. The group is designed to be quite familiar, so that everyone can train in a pleasant atmosphere and overcome their limits. I have been using the Phantom training mask for some time now, especially for the more advanced.

What has been your personal greatest success so far?

Dominic Berger: Hard to say. This is always very situational, as every moment has its own beauty. I mean, of course it was super awesome to win the starting wave at the Spartan Race, but the first triathlon was also indescribable. Just like going up the Untersberg on touring skis in under 12 hours or a good day of surfing. You cant say it like that. I just try to make the most of the moment as much as possible. Always look forward, never back.

Still, is there anything you would consider your biggest defeat?

Dominic Berger: I once broke my wrist in a rather unfortunate way. That was stupid, firstly because I obviously couldn't train properly until it healed. The worst thing, however, was that I wasn't allowed to windsurf for about 1 ½ years. Unfortunately, he never got 100% fit again, but you have to come to terms with that. If I do the push-ups with my fists, it's more strenuous. What doesn't kill me makes me stronger and helps me move forward.

Your motto and attitude towards yourself and your goals?

Dominic Berger: Take each day as it comes and 'Unleash your potential!' Otherwise, be open, honest and direct. If someone doesn't get along with me or I don't get along with them, that doesn't have to be the case. I'm not someone who pretends to be different or pretends to be different than who I actually am.

How did you find out about the Phantom training mask?

Dominic Berger: I had been following the whole thing for a while and was interested, then came the call for an endurance study with the Phantom training mask, so of course I signed up straight away.

 

What were your first thoughts when you held it in your hand?

Dominic Berger: Very cool, now it's mine. They gave me more.Really, it was love at first sight. I'm going straight to CrossFit to test them out.

What do you remember about your first training session like this?

Dominic Berger: The first running units to get used to it were quite easy, but things quickly changed when it came to the interval runs. I thought time and time again: “Now I'm going to spit in the mask.” Although that was something that went away after a short period of regular training. Otherwise, I didn't have anything like a feeling of oppression or anything like that. The mask is super light, so I hardly felt it at all. Besides, I was already used to having something in front of my face in the fire department.

What happened after the study?

Dominic Berger: First of all, I was happy that the running sessions were over. Admittedly, I don't particularly like running. Otherwise, the study was a great experience for me.

The real kicker, however, was when I received the results of the final test. I was told during the entrance test that my performance was already in an extremely good range due to all my sporting history. By training with the Phantom training mask, I not only increased my VO2 max from 55 to 60.5, despite the already very good initial values. I was also able to maximize my usable lung volume to 5.90, which corresponds to 113% of the target value and, all in all, achieve an even higher level of performance than I already had. It was a great feeling to have that confirmed in black and white. And I finally had MY mask.

Your favorite exercises with the mask?

Dominic Berger: I love using the mask when doing CrossFit. A recent CrossFit contest at the box where I train involved the Murph workout (1 mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, 1 mile run). complete as quickly as possible. I came first with a time of 40 minutes. Just with the Phantom training mask. I also like to use it at Freeletics. If I think about it, actually in every sport. I can no longer imagine life without her. Ok, I didn't wear them while windsurfing...

 

What was your “most intense” experience?

Dominic Berger: As I said, the first few interval runs were extremely tough for me. Otherwise, I think it was CrossFit recently. First a lot of sled pulls and pushes, then more deadlifts until nothing worked anymore. That was pretty... intense.

The Phantom training mask is for me...?

Dominic Berger: ...a new challenge with every training session. I'm always happy to be able to fight against them.

How often per week do you train with the Phantom training mask?

Dominic Berger: I use them in every one of my training sessions, i.e. every day. Of course, I can't put them on during personal training, otherwise no one will understand me when I tell them to step on the gas.

What is your tip for increasing intensity?

Dominic Berger: If a level seems too hard at first, it can be helpful to approach it with intervals or to try a less intense exercise, e.g. B. Weight training to get used to it. It also helps to take a quick breather on 1 and then switch back up again. Otherwise: bite! A big part to overcome is mental.

A sentence that is characteristic of you?

Dominic Berger: “I am the coach! To save time, let’s just assume that I am always RIGHT!”

You say you're always looking for a way to get to know each other better. What exactly do you mean by that?

Dominic Berger: On the one hand, to make the most of life in all its facets. I now know my limits and potential quite well due to the various sports, but I want to know what is still possible and how far I can go.

How does the Phantom training mask help you?

Dominic Berger: The mask sets completely new boundaries, even from a completely different direction. The psychological requirements and the mental will training are also absolutely unique. It's a thrill every time you force yourself not to down a notch or take it off completely, but to move past it, past the idea that you're running out of air. Because she doesn't. And it's extremely rewarding to struggle through it.

 

What overall improvements do you experience in sports and everyday life with the Phantom training mask?

Dominic Berger: I have become even stronger mentally and was able to push my limits once again. I have become more self-confident and know what I can achieve if I want to and persevere. In addition, of course, an extreme improvement in fitness, even on top of what was there before. I notice this particularly intensely when doing CrossFit. And I can now breathe deeper when something bothers me.

What was the “best” comment you heard regarding the Phantom Training Mask?

Dominic Berger: Of course the standard: “Darth Vader”. And: shake your head, show the bird, “Suits you.”

What would you say to someone who thinks the mask is pointless?

Dominic Berger: If you don't try it, you can't know. You should test it yourself first and then make a judgement.

Have you already planned your next sporting goal with the Phantom training mask?

Dominic Berger: To train even harder and more intensively. And who knows, maybe a triathlon again next year. With mask.

 

If you, like Dominic, want to improve your physical and mental abilities to push your body to peak sporting performance, you should take a look at our Phantom training mask!

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