The increase in awareness about health and fitness in today’s world has given birth to many nutritionists, gym instructors and trainers. Usman Samir is the co-founder and head trainer at Fitness 360, and offers effective, modern and challenging ways of training with promising results. The fitness buff has changed the way people look at exercise with his innovative workout routines. He speaks to us about how he started, his inspiration, different workouts and more.
How did you become a trainer?
Usman Samir: I enlisted as a cadet in the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) while I was in boarding school in the UK. My passion for functional training and fitness sparked from there. Fitness became a way of life for me; I chose to pursue it as a career after I studied the art of movement, basics of human anatomy and function. I have always believed that one should pursue their passion and if you can make a career doing what you love, do it! And so I did.
If you had to define all that you do in a word, what would you say?
US: Inspire.
Who or what gives you most inspiration?
US: I am motivated by many people, some of them are related to me and others are my clients who have succeeded and given back to their community, to the world and inspired others to believe in themselves. I aspire to inspire others with my craft and help them believe in themselves, and empower them to be better. As a trainer I have been blessed to be able to do that for many people everyday.
What are your favourite workout routines?
US: I am a big fan of functional training. I believe it is one of the best ways to remain an all-rounder with regard to fitness, strengthen your core and be able to physically perform at one’s optimum.
Do you have any relevant certifications?
US: I have studied the basics of human anatomy and biomechanics.
If a client comes to you seeking weight loss, how do you develop a plan for them?
US: I would first ask them several questions about their daily routine, what their food intake is like, are they active or inactive most of the day, do they have any pre- existing injuries or health conditions that may hinder them from losing fat or performing basic compound movements. After I get an idea as to what I am dealing with, I test their fitness level and mobility, and based on the same I make an individual workout program for them and I get them in contact with my nutritionist, who makes a diet plan for them based on their goal taking all their food preferences, allergies and health conditions into consideration.
Name a few essential exercises suitable for almost anyone.
US: The basic bodyweight squat, push up, pull up, plank and swimming (freestyle/breast stroke).
How do you determine a person’s workout potential to avoid pushing them to the limits?
US: By testing their fitness level on the first day. I am very well versed in the art of movement/exercises. I believe strongly that form= function. If I am not satisfied with a client’s form, we will start from scratch or the basics and slowly progress. I never push a client past a point where they may be at risk of injuring themselves. When it comes to fitness, core strength and proper form is key to optimum athletic performance.
Do you have any knowledge regarding nutrition?
US: I have basic knowledge regarding nutrition. I know enough to help one lose weight/ fat or gain muscle but it is not my area of expertise so I leave that job to my nutritionist.
What works best in motivating an aerobics group?
US: Good music and intense energy from the trainer; the key is to push the group past all self-imposed barriers within an interval and keep them performing at their max.
Do you prefer in-group or personal training?
US: I prefer personal training to groups being as I am able to focus all my energy on one person, which ensures that my client remains satisfied and is more likely to achieve their goal. It is very difficult to train a group of individuals who are of different fitness levels. Personal training is always the way to go.
What do you do to enhance clientele?
US: I train very exclusively and only work through referrals.
What do you think is the relevance of a personal trainer in today’s world?
US: The relevance of a personal trainer should be based on the experience and knowledge that a personal trainer/fitness coach has about the subject. Training is an art. When you go out to sea, you do not compromise on engaging the services of an experienced captain just because in today’s world boats come with an inbuilt GPS.
How important do you think that trainers are nowadays especially since there is so much information regarding health and fitness available on the Internet?
US: Fitness trainers are as important in today’s world as a GP (general practitioner). Just because all the answers are on Google and YouTube these days doesn’t mean you don’t go to your doctor for guidance. A knowledgeable fitness coach has the ability to motivate, inspire, educate and guide one properly. Google cannot motivate you and watch your form.
How do you ensure that a fitness program is effective?
US: By monitoring my client’s results every two to three weeks – if they are making progress, then it is working, if not then we change things within their fitness program or diet plan. Being as every client has their own individual goal, the way to monitor varies.
What makes you a good personal trainer?
US: I am committed, passionate about my craft, disciplined, focused, motivated, goal/result oriented, professional, well informed about new ways of training and most importantly I form a very close bond with my clients. This bond allows me to understand my client and helps me ensure that they always remain safe and satisfied with my services.
What does your actual typical day look like?
US: My day starts at 6:00 am and ends at 10:30 pm, six days a week. I wake up at 5:30 am everyday and I am out of my house by 6:15 am. My first session of the day starts at 7:00 am sharp and I am busy all day till 10:30 pm at night. Grateful.
In your opinion, what’s the biggest reason people fail to meet their fitness or weight loss goals?
US: The biggest reason as to why most people do not achieve their fitness goals is because most people do not understand the importance of proper nutrition. They do not research nutrition and they want results too fast. The body is like any other machine; it performs best when it is well lubricated and fueled efficiently. A proper training programme, which complements your goal and diet plan, is also important.
How would you describe your philosophy about being fit and healthy?
US: I believe in being the best version of yourself. We live in a physical world. When we are physically able to perform at our optimum, we are able to serve the ones we love and help ourselves. Making healthy choices and keeping fit helps us stay younger, fight diseases, deal with daily stress and in some cases depression, boost creativity and cognitive function.
Fueling your body with workouts and living lean takes work, what are your recommended meals throughout the day?
US: First thing upon waking: drink at least three tall glasses of water.
Morning: breakfast, which consists of healthy fat, protein and complex carbs. An example is boiled or poached eggs, avocado, sweet potato, almonds and walnuts.
Afternoon: tuna sandwich or tuna with whole-wheat pasta or grilled chicken with sweet potato.
Evening: grilled chicken or fish with vegetables.
I keep my meals simple.
Rapid Fire
Favourite destination?
US:London.
Favourite snack?
US:Lindt Excellence Dark Noir 70%.
Favourite beverage?
US:I don’t consume carbonated drinks. Will have to go with Malee coconut water.
Favourite book?
US:The Art Of War by Sun Tzu.
Favourite song?
US:Lie To Me by Bon Jovi.
Favourite movie?
US:Legends Of The Fall.
I would not be caught in…
US:Action.
Greatest extravagance?
US:Food.
One thing that annoys you the most?
US:Arrogance.
What store do you shop at the most?
Nike.
What is your favourite cuisine?
US:Italian.
Favourite car?
US:Range Rover.
Pet peeves?
Procrastination.
Favourite hashtag?
US:#Fitlifestyle.
Fitness trainers are as important in today’s world as a GP. Just because all the answers are on Google and YouTube these days doesn’t mean you don’t go to your doctor for guidance.
INTERVIEW: MEHR KASSIM
PHOTOGRAPHS: UZAIR KHAN
