Dubai Muscle Show 2017

Working in the Fitness Industry today, is based a lot on image. Not only do you have to have the knowledge and know what you are talking about...but you have to be in fit shape and look the part yourself.

Or do you? It didn't use to be like this. Even some of the best trainers and coaches in world sport, are not in shape, may not have played at the highest level yet they can get results and they can get the best out of people.

For me, being a role model within the Fitness industry helps justify the saying 'practice what you preach' which I believe in. It doesn't necessarily matter what condition you are in yourself as long as you are good at what you do. As long as you can get results out of other people then why does it matter?

What is the role of a Personal Trainer? I believe it is to get results. People pay money to see a change or an improvement. So why am I working so hard to get in shape myself, I hear you ask? Well you don't have to be in shape to instruct as a PT, but it helps. You don't have to be a role model and have an outstanding physique, but it helps. Why? Well, it demonstrates a few core values. It shows that you have the ability to discipline yourself. That you are committed to the goals you set, you also put in the hard work around your clients and you have a strong passion for what you do and for your line of work, which is the Health & Fitness industry.

My Background

I have always been very active and into Sports. I was Welsh 100m and 4x100 relay champion on two occasions, played football for Swansea City and Wales with experience playing games in the Champions League & Europa League. My fellow team mates used to laugh and joke because I was one of those minority who enjoyed running. I enjoyed the fitness element of football, more so than the tactical element. I didn't mind the sprints and running involved during pre season when most players use to hate it. I was quite skinny growing up and had to work hard to gain any size or muscle. 

The Reason

Since I moved to Dubai, I have seen a lot more people exercise and be active. These are mainly expats and the climate makes a big difference from the UK weather. With that said, the beach body and six pack appeal now becomes a 12 month, all year round appearance rather than a few months in the summer. 

I have worked in the Fitness industry for 10 years and I have trained many clients in One to One and Group PT sessions. I'm honest enough to admit that even though most of them achieved results, they were not always the results they wanted. This comes down to their own discipline and focus, as we can not always motivate clients 24/7.

People often want a 'Quick Fix' meaning they want to lose weight or gain muscle in a short space of time. Then they lose motivation if they don't see a change. Of course, goal setting is a part of this along with other factors, because if the goal set is unachievable then you are already facing an uphill struggle meaning you are less likely to get results. But what I have found during my prep for this show, is that the key here is persistence.

'Fall in love with the process and the results will come' 

I tell my clients this quote quite a lot and it is written not only on my website but also the training and nutrition plans. You need to have a structure to your workouts and to have a plan, a strategy which links to your final end goal. I also tell them the importance of making small sustainable changes which you are more likely to adhere to, cutting back rather than cutting out. These are some of the ways to make lifestyle changes rather than temporary changes.

What does everyone want? Everyone wants to get results in the shortest time possible. And rightly so...time is valuable. But I believe you must put in the hard work. You must graft, push yourself and do things the right way. People have approached me, my own clients have approached me, though email, message and social media streams and asked me if certain substances can help them get results. I used to think why would you do that? But with the way the Fitness industry is now, I am no longer surprised. If it gives you a My answer...short term, maybe yes. Long term, probably not. 

I have used this as motivation for myself, as I want to prove that you can get in good shape naturally, with good nutrition and the right training plan. Yes, it may take longer but it is a lot more sustainable and will be easier to maintain. 

A good way to emphasise this, is for me to compete. Men's Physique is a good way to show case and demonstrate that you have the knowledge and the ability to push yourself to it's limits not only the people you train.

There are going to be some strong physiques at the Dubai Muscle Show at the Dubai World Trade Centre on 8th & 9th December. I am still in prep and it is going well. So well that I may enter a the Fitness Expo event at Dubai Mall next week. I plan to use this as a warm up and trial run for experience. Wish me luck!!