ISMA HUSEIN

1 WHAT IS YOUR WEEKLY EXERCISE ROUTINE?

A lot of dance (kizomba, salsa, bachata), some yoga and daily ab exercises.

2 WHAT IS YOUR FITNESS AIM?

Optimal mind-body connection and holistic balance.

3 HOW DO YOU GET OVER BEING TOO LAZY TO EXERCISE?

I remind myself of the repercussions of being undisciplined… flabby stomach, loss of energy, etc.

4 WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE WORKOUT?

Ab exercises in bed. Since I travel a lot, I need to find ways to keep up a routine despite the daily uncertainties. If I depend solely on going to the gym or yoga studio, my mind will keep making excuses (not enough time, too much hassle, etc.) At least wherever I go, I will wake up in a bed so I do my ab exercise in bed first thing in the morning then go on to focus on other things during the day.

5 WHAT IS THE MOST DRASTIC THING YOU’VE DONE WHEN IT COMES TO EXERCISE?

Went up Mount Kinabalu on a whim without any training!

6 WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO GET PEOPLE TO EXERCISE?

Just start with something small and simple. Starting with a five minute routine may just get you hooked and spur you to do more!

7 WHAT’S THE ONE THING THAT EXERCISE HAS TAUGHT YOU?

You’ll be surprised at the limits that you thought your body had.

8 DO YOU PREFER TO EXERCISE INDIVIDUALLY OR IN A GROUP?

I do my ab workout on my own but yoga in group classes. I also dance on social nights with lots of people around!

9 ARE YOU PRO OR ANTI CARBOHYDRATE?

I love taking carbohydrates but I have realised it is not my friend. I have the intention of limiting it but I keep failing!

10 HOW LONG DO YOU SLEEP AT NIGHT?

It’s hard to keep to eight hours especially with my constantly changing schedule and all the travelling, but I try my best.

11 HOW DO YOU PREVENT INJURY?

I have a spine condition so I choose low-impact activities, for example, Airo Yoga. I get the maximum stretch with minimal impact to my spine.

12 WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TIME TO EXERCISE?

In the morning so I can cross it off my list!