Hello, Hossam, thank you for joining us today. Can you start by telling us a little about yourself and your fitness background?
Of course, I’m originally from Morocco and joined Fly High Fitness in May 2022. My journey in fitness started when I was a kid – I was passionate about football and was part of the Raja Club Academy in Morocco until I was 26. I was also into semi-marathon running. It was a fellow athlete who introduced me to Les Mills, and I decided to venture into personal training. I obtained a diploma in bodybuilding to further my knowledge and skills.
That’s quite a journey! How did you end up in Dubai?
My sister and my ex were living in Dubai, so I decided to apply for personal training opportunities here and was accepted. I received a diploma from the Dubai university Sharjah and got certified in Body Pump and have been coaching since in studios in Dubai.
Can you tell us about your role at Fly High Fitness?
Certainly, I’m a certified Les Mills coach, which includes various group fitness classes like Body Pump, Body Combat, Body Attack, Grit, and more. My role involves leading group fitness workouts, combining exercise science with motivating group dynamics to deliver results-focused fitness experiences.
Could you explain a bit about some of these classes?
Absolutely. Sprint, for instance, is like “fire.” It’s a half-hour cycling class designed to push you to reach 80%-95% of your maximum heart rate, which is essential to trigger fat conversion into ketones and boost metabolism.
Why is reaching this heart rate important?
After about 15-20 minutes, the body depletes its glycogen stores, causing fat to turn into ketones for fuel. This metabolic shift not only burns calories during the workout but also keeps your metabolism elevated for 48-72 hours, aiding in weight loss and endurance.
I see, what about Grit?
Grit is similar to Sprint but focuses on weight-based exercises instead of cycling. It’s a high-intensity class that lasts for 30 minutes and challenges your limits with no recovery periods between tracks.
And Body Pump?
Body Pump is a 45-minute to 1-hour class that targets individual muscle groups. I prefer the 1-hour format as it allows for better muscle isolation and endurance building. It’s safe, effective, and perfect for ladies. It’s important to alternate between strength training, cardio, and core exercises for a well-rounded fitness regimen.
Could you tell us more about Les Mills Core?
Les Mills Core focuses on strengthening core muscles, balance, and lower back. It’s similar to Pilates but more advanced. The class is designed to improve balance and stability, and the fast-paced music challenges concentration.
What about Body Combat and Body Balance?
Body Combat is a high-intensity class inspired by martial arts, while Body Balance emphasizes flexibility, mobility, and balance. Both offer full-body workouts and are great for overall fitness.
You offer both group classes and personal training. Which would you recommend?
I recommend both. Group classes are great for affordability and cardio activities like cycling. However, personal training allows for muscle isolation, injury prevention, and personalized adjustments. It’s essential to learn your body’s needs, and I suggest incorporating personal training occasionally.
Are Les Mills classes suitable for beginners and advanced trainees?
I Absolutely, Les Mills classes cater to all fitness levels. They’re safe and adaptable, allowing participants to progress at their own pace. The goal is to achieve balance between red and white muscle fiber types, ensuring overall well-being.
What’s your coaching style like?
I I’m a hands-on coach because I believe that people often learn best by observing and copying. Sometimes, participants don’t listen to corrections during class, so I’ll jump off the stage to provide guidance and prevent injuries.
Finally, what does sport mean to you?
I Sport is my life. I’m passionate about helping people reach their fitness goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle. I believe in staying active without pushing your body to extreme limits.
Thank you, Hossam, for sharing your insights into Les Mills classes and your fitness journey. If our readers want to experience these classes for themselves, how can they get started?
They can come meet me at Fly High Fitness and try one of our many Les Mills classes. We offer a free pass for newcomers to give it a go and discover the transformative power of group fitness. Your fitness adventure begins here!
