Q&A with Olson Werenka
Get To Know Fit Kitchen Ambassador/MMA Fighter:
Olson Werenka @O.Werenka
How did you get into MMA?
I got into MMA during COVID when there wasn’t much else to do – my hockey career was on hold and I was stuck in the house doing school on my computer. I was always a bit of a sh*t-disturber on the ice in hockey so the COVID “break” gave me a chance to try a few new things and I ended up falling in love with martial arts! Took a few fights as things started opening back up – when I got the call from my coach to come back for the hockey season, I had already taken 2 fights and won them both – so I took it as a sign / calling haha.
What is your training routine like?
My training routine various depending where I’m at in my schedule. I generally like to train x2 times/day (morning & night). This usually consists of cardio in the morning and then my everyday Martial Arts training at night. Cardio last about an hour in the AM and then I’m usually at the gym for 2-3 hours/night. When fighting camp rolls around – everything just gets longer and more intense!
How do you mentally prepare for a fight?
I do a lot of positive self talk and also have a mental coach – Derek Stone who I work with year round! The mental game is such a huge aspect of fighting – need to be strong and independent!
Can you share any memorable moments or experiences from your MMA career so far?
Although I have many great experiences – I think one of the most memorable was my 2nd amateur MMA fight VS Josh Fox. I was fighting a much more experienced and anticipated fighter so the stakes and nerves were high! I ended up getting a first round knockout and that feeling I got afterwards will stick with me for a lifetime. I’ve had the chance to meet a ton of good people around the world through the sport and I’m so grateful for all my experiences. Shoutout to my friends the Delarosas and Nico Kambasis in Texas (Delarosa MMA) for impacting my career in such a positive way and showing me the highest level of training I’ve had the pleasure of participating in.
How has Fit Kitchen helped you in your training?
Fit Kitchen has made my life as a fighter so so much easier and more enjoyable. That hardest part about MMA is generally the weight cuts! I typically lose around 30 lbs for each of my fights. Rather than meal prepping every week and spending a fortune on ingredients & endless hours cooking – I’m able to order fully customizable meals straight to my door whenever I want. They have changed the game for me completely. Rather than meal prepping dry chicken and rice, I’m able to enjoy healthy, custom and tasty meals all week.
Tell us more about your coaching (training others)
During my transitioning from hockey – fighting, I also decided to take a break from school and manage a local gym in the city. While doing so, I fell in love with teaching martial arts. There is nothing more satisfying than being able to make other feel more confident in themselves and seeing your clients progress. I now own LFG Labs Inc. – a multi-sport training facility opening up in Calgary in a matter of months. Our goal is to change lives and the fighting & fitness game in Calgary and then the world!
What are your go to Fit Kitchen meals/snacks?
My current favorite and #1 ordered meal is for sure the Bangkok Green Curry. It’s a meal I can eat all year round, fight camp or not. My second favorite has to be JZ’s Power Steak Salad and then The Turkey Enchiladas. Honestly I have too many favorites to only pick a few so I’m just gonna leave it at that.
We’re all about balance! What are some of your fave places to eat in Calgary?
I absolutely love some good shawarma. Damascus on 17th is one of my favorites. Besides that, I always love a good chicken sandwich – so anywhere with a good chicken sandwich, you’ll probably see me there.
