Movement

UR.Life Trainer's Tips on Staying Fit

Get to know head trainer Mr. Syed Ismail as he shares about his journey in the fitness industry and motivation in our exclusive interview at UR.Life Studios!

By URLife Team

10 Aug 2024

We sat down with Mr. Syed Ismail, UR.Life Fitness Manager & Trainer at UR.Life Studio, Apollo Health City, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, to discuss his fitness journey, experiences, the secrets of staying in fit, and the unwavering dedication that fuels his fitness motivation.

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Interview With UR.Life Trainer, Mr. Syed Ismail

Q: Can you share a bit about your journey in the fitness industry?

I first got interested during school (1995), I was 14 years old when I first held a dumbbell in the sports room. Gym was not exactly a popular thing in the 90s. But I was intrigued with the equipment and decided to go ahead with fitness training. I gradually educated myself by doing ACE (American Council on Exercise) certifications in fitness and nutrition. I was quite active in sports during school time and played on state and district level in kabbadi, shotput, javelin throw. I used to read a lot about bodybuilding through magazines. I made it a hobby and became obsessed with building physique. I have participated in several bodybuilding championships. In early 2000, I won Mr. Osmania in Hyderabad.

I have been in UR.Life for 14 years and counting. Before this, I used to work as a fitness manager in corporate gyms in many renowned IT companies like Google, Microsoft, Infosys, and Genpact. After this, I even worked for several fitness centres and gathered more experience. I also did Animal Flow in Dubai (2024) to update my fitness level and inspire clients. Animal Flow is a bodyweight workout which is designed to enhance strength, power, flexibility and mobility.

Q: What is your training style?

It all depends from person to person. There are many clients who come to UR.Life Studio from ages ranging from 20s till early 60s. And my approach to train them includes knowing their fitness goals and their motivation to join the gym—their ‘why’. Many clients, especially females, say they want to lose certain kgs of weight in two months as it's their wedding or some function. So, I study their lifestyle based on details such as age, health issues, what type of body they want to achieve, etc. then, I go ahead and design a personalised fitness plan that includes resistance training, cardio, or functional training along with diet plans.

When I am training people over 50 I have to be mindful of the type of training I provide. Unlike younger individuals, I have to gradually build their stamina and strength. For beginners like them, light cardio, simple workouts can do wonders.

Q: How do you stay updated with the latest fitness trends?

The fitness world is always evolving, and I love that! I stay ahead by diving into the latest research regarding fitness and connecting with other top trainers. I also listen to my clients—they’re my best feedback loop. Trends come and go, but understanding the science and keeping an open mind helps me adapt and innovate while keeping my clients’ goals front and centre.

Q: What common challenges do your clients face, and how do you help them overcome them?

In my opinion, one of the biggest challenges people face is inconsistency and a negative mindset. Life can become overwhelming, motivation can wane, and it's easy to lose sight of our goals. I assist individuals by breaking down their objectives into smaller, achievable steps and making workouts enjoyable and diverse. We acknowledge the small victories because they contribute to significant progress. The key is to establish a routine that feels fulfilling rather than punishing, so people stay committed in the long term.

Q: You have trained some celebrities. Can you share the experience?

Training celebrities is always a unique experience. They’re incredibly driven, but their schedules are chaotic. It’s all about flexibility and creativity—finding ways to squeeze in effective workouts no matter where they are.

Sharwanand (Tollywood actor), Mohammad Azharuddin (former cricket team captain), Vijaya Shanti (Tollywood actor), Sania Mirza (Tennis player), Revanth Reddy (CM of Telangana), along with Bollywood actresses Rhea Chakraborty and Taapsee Pannu are some of the celebrities I have trained in the past. I have done transformation of Ms Vijay Shanti and Mohammad Azharuddin. Earlier, Vijay Shanti started with 5 pushups and gradually with time and practise, she can now do 50 pushups. Besides, Mohammad Azharuddin got his six packs in four months.

Q: What are some common misconceptions about fitness and nutrition that you often have to clarify for your clients?

Many people believe that you need to deprive yourself of food to get fit, but that's completely untrue! I always stress the importance of nourishing your body with the right nutrients. Another common misconception is that you have to push yourself to the limit in every workout to see progress. Rest and recovery are just as crucial as the workouts themselves. And let's not forget about the myth of spot reduction—unfortunately, you can't just target belly fat. It's all about consistency in your overall approach.

Some individuals are eager to sculpt their bodies in just 2-3 months and may turn to steroids for quick results, but that's not a healthy option. I always advise my clients to focus on a nourishing diet. Relying on pills and supplements might work for a short while, but once you stop taking them, your body will rebound, not to mention the potential side effects down the line.

Related story: How to Choose A Personal Trainer

Q: What advice do you have for someone who is just starting their fitness journey?

I suggest you start small and remain patient with yourself. It's easy to feel tired and confused by the different types of information available, but it is important to know what truly works for your body.
Social media is flooded with numerous fitness content. It has become difficult for everyone to filter out what’s right and what’s wrong. Always do your research before following popular social media workouts.

Set achievable goals and refrain from comparing your journey to others. Remember, fitness is a marathon, not a sprint. Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, regardless of its magnitude, and continue to push forward. Most importantly, trust the process—fitness is for both your mind and body.

Q: What lifestyle changes do you recommend for maintaining long-term fitness and health?

Remember the importance of consistency. Building habits you can stick with will lead to long-term success. Make regular physical activity your daily routine, take a balanced diet, and don't underestimate the power of sleep and stress management. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health. It's a holistic approach that can make a significant positive impact on your life.

Q: How do you stay motivated and consistent with your fitness routine?

Staying motivated as a trainer isn’t always easy, but what keeps me going is my passion for health and the incredible transformation that fitness brings, both mentally and physically. To keep things fresh and challenging, I regularly change my routine and set personal goals that push me out of my comfort zone.

There are days when I feel low. I remind myself that even a short session is better than nothing. Consistency is the key to building momentum, and that's where the magic happens.

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