Mikko Salo seems like an ordinary Finnish man. He is a 37-year-old firefighter living in Pori, a medium sized town in the Western Finland. He possesses strong mental strength, hard working attitude, and perseverance, called Sisu in the Finnish language. Also a typical feature for a Finn. What separates him from every Finn is that he is the former fittest man on earth by winning the CrossFit Games in 2009.

Nowadays Salo focuses on coaching CrossFit athletes at his own box, CrossFit Varasto (=Warehouse) and through his own training program, The System. Moreover, he hints that competing at the top level still interests him. His first concrete goal is in 2017’s Open.

Half a man, half a machine

Salo still works out like a machine; his training program consists of three or four workout days in a row two sessions per day. However, he knows when to give his body a rest.

“I am not that young anymore, so I give my body a rest, whenever I feel it is necessary.”

More than anything, CrossFit is a way of life for Salo and keeps him in shape to manage in his demanding civil profession as a firefighter. Beating himself and learning something new about the sport day in day out keeps him motivated.

“In CrossFit, I am always searching for my limits and maximal potential by using the methods that I have proven to be working. Another personal goal is to learn about CrossFit as much as possible. Therefore, I try to keep my ears and eyes open, wherever I go.”

Consistency is the key

The man with one of the most impressive engines in the history of CrossFit highlights the role of consistency in competitions. Whether competing on national, regional, or Games level the key to success is stable performing from the first event to the last.

“If the competition program is diverse enough, you have to be consistent to succeed. In the 2016’s CrossFit Games, Matthew Fraser’s domination impressed me. He is a model example of modern CrossFit athlete."

Salo has intensively followed the evolution of CrossFit for almost ten years now. He sees that the experimental phase of CrossFit competitions is now over and the focus is turning back towards the basics.

“There is no need to make the events more challenging with strange combinations of movements, and it doesn’t even serve the purpose. Basic things and simple combinations of movements and workouts are the most efficient method of finding weaknesses from athletes.”

The System

The System is a programming for competitive or advanced athletes created by Mikko Salo. The emphasis of the program is to build the athletes as big an engine as possible, but not to forget strength and skill training.

Salo does the programming himself. Every detail of the program is closely thought and tested by Mr. Salo, Anette Nieminen, and Laura Isopoussu.

“The System is based on my own experiences and well-proven methods. I have good knowledge about theory, but my biggest asset is my long experience in practice.”

The System follows cycles. Salo believes that if athlete’s strength and skills are on demanded level, the winners of CrossFit competitions are solved with the biggest engine and capacity to take in physical stress. Therefore, strength and skill training is done throughout the season. The development of the engine begins with building the basis with basic endurance training. CrossFit specific endurance training begins when the base is constructed, approximately late fall.

“The goal of The System is to develop athletes comprehensively. When the sport specific training is linked to the strength and skill training done in the basic conditioning season, the athletes will progress in every section of CrossFit making them better competitors.”

What makes an excellent CrossFit athlete?

“Excellent CrossFit athlete doesn’t have holes in the shield. Everyone has weaknesses, but excellent athlete doesn’t have holes. Excellent CrossFit athlete has more systematic training behind him/her. Obviously, genetic factors can not be underestimated, because not everyone can endure the quantity of training, what it takes to become excellent. Excellent CrossFit athlete has the mental strength to pay the price for a chance to find his/her maximal potential.”

Join The System now and get one step closer to finding your maximum potential.