What’s it like having a workout partner right at home? Do you think it creates better accountability around completing a workout?
Frank: I always want to set a good example for my children and now that they’re all at the age where they are competing in sports that I competed in, I am excited to share my knowledge and experience with them.
Bella: My dad is someone to ask advice from. He’s more than just a workout partner, because he always has my best interests in mind so I think being around each other all the time definitely helps.
What are your eating habits? Do you have a strict diet to stay healthy or is more ‘everything in moderation’ for you? What are some tips you might have when it comes to eating?
Frank: Mrs. Mir [my wife] is in charge of food for me and the kids and she does an excellent job. It’s not to say we don’t have fun meals out, but it’s in moderation. Overall we are we are a very health-conscious home. My biggest advice is to find out what works for you, because not every diet or meal plan is going to work every person.
Bella: I mostly eat very clean and healthy because I like the way it makes me feel. As an athlete, [healthy eating] is how I get the best performance out of my body.
We all have days when we don’t want to workout, what motivates you to keep going?
Frank: For me, knowing that I am going to be competing against someone in front of millions of people is pretty good motivation. Knowing who I’m going to be fighting is motivation too. With Bella, motivation is never a problem. If anything, I have to make sure she takes rest days and recovers properly.
Bella: I like to stay busy and compete in a lot of different sports. It’s been a big part of my life since I was young so I don’t really have a hard time finding motivation. Wanting to be the best at what I do and where I want to go with it in life is motivation enough for me.
Why did you decide to open your own gym as well as start a gym franchise? How do you get your children involved without being too pushy?
Frank: Given my history and experience in martial arts I think opening my own gym was a natural next step. When the opportunity came to team up with Venum and have my own gym but also be involved in franchising worldwide, it was perfect fit. I never had to push my kids into sports or martial arts. It’s a big part of life in the Mir house and they all naturally gravitated towards it.
What’s your advice for anyone trying to stick with a sport?
Frank: If something interests you, you should try it. You have to give yourself a chance to be good at something. Any sport, and combat sports especially, are going to be hard especially when you start but stick with it and I think most people will surprise themselves with how well they do.