🔥 Episode Overview

In this episode, R.A George sits down with Hussain to talk about mindset, sustainability in fitness, Spartan racing, hybrid training, and the difference between passion and talent.

From being an extremely skinny child to becoming a Spartan ambassador, Hussain shares the lessons that shaped his journey — and the mindset that fuels his performance.

Upcoming Spartan DEKA event - Use code Hussain20

2026 DEKA FIT Skydive Dubai - Register here

Hussain Alessa’s IG- coach_hussain

Fit Story - YouTube channel here

Fit Story - @fitstiry

DEKA Strong 13th March T27 Roadshow here

DEKA Strong 14th March Spirit Level here

🧠 Key Topics Covered💡 Powerful Quotes🏃 Spartan OCR & DEKA Insights🎯 Advice for Beginners

Key highlights:

• Why most people gain weight during Ramadan (and how to avoid it)

• Sustainability vs extreme dieting

• The turning point that made Hussain become a coach

• Passion vs being “good” at something

• How Spartan racing builds mental resilience

• The 3-second mindset rule before any obstacle

• Favorite obstacle (Monkey Bars) & most hated (Spear Throw 😅)

• Why discipline beats motivation every time

• The danger of obsession in fitness

• Hybrid fitness vs traditional training

• Preventing overtraining with proactive deload weeks

• How to find your peak performance zone

• Why mindset is something AI can never replace

“You’re capable of more than you think.”

“Discipline over motivation — any day.”

“Fitness should complement your life, not take over your life.”

“Most limits exist in the mind before they exist in reality.”

• You don’t need to be elite to start

• Focus on running comfortably + grip strength

• No excuses — you can train with minimal equipment

• Every obstacle is won or lost in the mind first

• Focus on the bigger picture

• 9/10 right is better than chasing perfection

• Recovery is part of training

• Sustainability beats short-term intensity

Hussain Alessa is a certified trainer, Spartan Middle East Ambassador, and podcast host dedicated to making fitness accessible and sustainable. His mission is simple: help people become stronger — physically and mentally.

🔥 Spartan Middle East Ambassadors Panel –Shadi Nasser, Jason Castillo + Fahad Taqi + RA George (Host)

Join George in this power-packed episode of The Race Space Podcast as he sits down with Spartan Race Middle East Ambassadors Shadi, Jason, and Fahad for an inspiring panel chat ahead of the iconic race at Bab Al Shams (April 19).

USE DISCOUNT CODE : FOR 20% Discount

- SHADI20

- JAYSON20

- FAHAD20

-GEORGE20

***For Night Discount 30% use the following codes*** NIGHT ONLY

- SHADINIGHT30

- JAYSONNIGHT30

-FAHADNIGHT30

-GEORGENIGHT30

Spartan Race Middle East - 19th April event - Sign up here Spartan Race The Arena, Bab Al Shams - Dawn 'Til Dusk

• 
  
• Super 5km + 20 Obstacles

Contaxt details for panel members

Shadi Nasser: IG @shadijehadnaseer

Jason Castillo: IG @masterjayson

Fahad Taqi : IG @Fahad_taqi

RA George (Host): IG @black_incarnation

💥 Expect stories, insights, laughs, and serious OCR wisdom from the best in the region!

🏁 Topics Covered:

• Meet the Ambassadors – Personal stories from Shadi, Jason, and Fahad on how they got into Spartan Racing
  

• Most Memorable Races – From brutal 26km challenges to emotional fire jumps and team-based achievements
  

• OCR as a Metaphor for Life – Overcoming physical and mental adversity on and off the course
  

• Advice for First-Time Racers – Training tips, hydration, gear suggestions, and mental preparation
  

• Family and Community Vibes – How Spartan racing becomes a lifestyle, with even kids joining the movement
  

• Spartan Race at Bab Al Shams – Expectations, new obstacles, gear recommendations, and heat preparation for the Dubai event
  

• Hybrid Fitness & AI in Sport – Thoughts on HYROX, DEKA, and the role of AI coaches in training
  

• What it Means to be an Ambassador – Responsibility, passion, and impact on the local fitness community
  

• The Iconic Fire Jump – The emotional moment that symbolizes every Spartan’s journey
  

• Post-Race Rituals – Recovery routines, cheat meals, and how Spartan racing becomes a family tradition

💬 Key Quotes:

“Spartan is not just a race—it’s a lifestyle.” – Shadi

“Just sign up. That’s the first step.” – Fahad

“Being an ambassador is about inspiring others.” – Jason

🎧 Listen if you:

• Are racing on April 19 at Bab Al Shams

• Want to hear what OCR life is really like

• Need motivation to do your first (or next!) Spartan race

• Love stories of grit, teamwork, and personal growth

• Want gear tips, race prep hacks, and post-race rituals
  

🔥 Final tip: Just sign up. The first step is showing up. The rest will follow. 🙌

📲 Follow us on IG: @theracespacepodcast 🌐

🎉 Don’t forget to rate, follow & share with your Spartan crew!

Episode Title: “From Marine to Fitness Maverick: Cyrus Rustom’s Game-Changing Fitness Revolution”

Host: 🤖 AI Review
Guest: 🥊 Cyrus Rustom, CEO of Boxica & Director of The Crucible Athlete

In this unique AI-powered review of The Race Space Podcast, we dive into the fascinating conversation with Cyrus Rustom. From his incredible journey as a Royal Marine Commando to becoming a fitness pioneer, Cyrus shares how he redefined inclusivity and performance in the fitness world.

Whether it’s building a welcoming community with Boxica or creating fair and exciting athletic challenges with The Crucible Athlete, this review explores the transformative impact of Cyrus’s work on fitness enthusiasts and competitors alike.

Contact details

• LinkedIn - https://shorturl.at/ge5n1
• Instagram ⁠⁠⁠@coachcyrus⁠⁠⁠
• Business ventures
• ⁠⁠⁠Boxica ⁠⁠⁠
• Website - https://boxica.ae/
• LinkedIn - https://shorturl.at/dx66n
• Instagram -⁠⁠⁠@boxica⁠⁠⁠
• Instagram - ⁠⁠The Crucible Athlete⁠⁠⁠

• ⚡️ Cyrus’s Journey: How he went from military life to leading the fitness industry.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Boxica’s Mission: Creating an inclusive fitness space where everyone feels at home.
• 🔥 The Crucible Athlete: A revolutionary approach to athletic competitions, focusing on raw performance and fairness.
• 💪 Lessons in Resilience: Practical insights on staying disciplined, consistent, and goal-oriented.
• 🎯 Visualization & Success: How goal-setting and vision boards drive focus and achievement.

• 🪖 Military Roots: How Cyrus applies his Commando discipline to fitness and business.
• 🤝 Inclusive Fitness Philosophy: Boxica’s innovative approach to creating a supportive fitness community.
• 🏆 The Crucible Athlete: Designed to challenge foundational athletic abilities, ensuring a level playing field for all.
• 📈 Adapting to Trends: How Boxica embraces trends like Hyrox without losing its core values.
• 📝 Entrepreneurial Insights: Cyrus’s advice on setting big goals, staying patient, and building consistency.

• “Resilience is about staying consistent and doing what needs to be done, especially when you don’t feel like it.”
• “Fitness isn’t just a lifestyle; it’s a priority that fuels your best self for personal and professional success.”
• “Set bigger goals for yourself and believe in your ability to achieve them.”

Cyrus Rustom is a fitness entrepreneur and former Royal Marine Commando. As the CEO of Boxica, he has built a thriving fitness community in Dubai. Cyrus is also the visionary behind The Crucible Athlete, a competition designed to redefine athletic performance and inclusivity.

The Crucible Athlete 📍 Location: ADNEC Center, Abu Dhabi
This event focuses on foundational athletic movements, offering athletes of all levels an opportunity to showcase their true potential in a fair and supportive environment.

Date: January 25, 2025

Location: ADNEC Center, Abu Dhabi

Registration: https://competitioncorner.net/events/14766

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