The story of FitFive Marco in a nutshell

"For 5 years I suffered from a very serious skin disease (since I was 16 years of age), which almost ruined my puberty and early youth. It was the most serious kind of acne vulgaris: my face, neck, shoulders, back and chest were covered by abscesses and pimples and replaced by open scars and scabs for years.

"Despite this, I have become a valuable individual and sportsman with a positive outlook and excellent physique. The reason is that I discovered that this disease was a sign to look into myself, change and realise my life's true purpose. I can deeply empathise with those who fight with a serious, returning disease and win their war. I know the cruel situations they must go through and how hard it is to accept their condition. I asked myself a thousand times: "Why me?" I didn't understand anything, and I felt unhappy and ugly.

"In August 2000, I decided to hide away from the world for a few months and think about my entire life. I spent three months in Italy, at the delta of the Po river, south of Venice. My job was to guide a nomad camp for catfishers. I slept in a tent, bathed in the river, walked around barefoot all day wearing only shorts. I did sports, ran, swam, paddled, did push-ups and chin-ups every day.

"With this, I constructed perfect harmony with my inner-being, and I found my real path in life. This three month period was the start of my career of good health and fitness. I left the past behind once and for all, and filled myself up completely with energy. I came home and started social work absolutely wage-free and unselfishly with outstanding success. With my constant happiness and unwavering physique I want to serve as a good example for as many people as possible. 

"It was near the Po river that I first wrote down the value-system I now live by. These ideals can be found on the next chapters. I recommend to all young people: before leaving your parent's residence and stepping into real life, spend some time in seclusion trying to know who you are and finding out your own value-system.

"Be smart!"