Find out how to get ripped with Marcus Smith
HE’S ONE OF Dubai’s fitness kings, having founded the InnerFight exercise group almost a decade ago. Now Marcus Smith has been rewarded by becoming the local face of Volvic water and, along with his motivational speaking which he carries out throughout the world, is able to spread his message of clean living further than ever before. We caught up with the British muscle man to find out more.
What’s the toughest challenge you’ve ever managed and can you tell us more about Inner Fight?
I was passionate about sports from my school years and became a professional sportsman. Personally, I believe in constantly challenging the status quo by taking on a multitude of challenges across various domains. While I continue to do so, I have been a part of ultra-marathons, notably the Marathon des Sables, a 250Km self-supported footrace across the Sahara Desert, numerous CrossFit competitions and bicycling adventures to some of Europe’s highest mountains, to name a few.
After working with one of the leading sports organisations, I decided to set up my own fitness firm in 2008 called InnerFight, whose sole vision is to transform people’s lives through physical exercise. As an international health and performance company, we aim to deliver increased human performance across many platforms including: corporate performance and motivation, group strength and conditioning or personal performance coaching and endurance programmes to prepare individuals for marathons, triathlons or just to be able to run one mile without stopping.
How important is hydration and water consumption in fitness?
Water is your body’s most important nutrient which makes up around 60% of the body mass. The water you consume plays a key role in your daily diet and overall fitness but unfortunately, many people fail to drink the right amount on a daily basis. In my opinion, natural water is the best way to go. The thought of public speaking is terrifying. In my early twenties, I made up my mind to make people’s lives better. Over the years, with multiple speaking opportunities, I realised that being passionate about what you do and a consistent message is the key driver to convey your message across and motivate your audience.
Who are your fitness idols and why? Is there someone you have modelled your physique on?
I have always admired people who are honest, hardworking, fun and living life to the fullest no matter what they are doing. But since childhood I have only looked up to only one individual, my father. He taught me the meaning of “Show No Weakness” years before it became the InnerFight slogan. His can-do attitude and active lifestyle has and continues to inspire me till today.
What does Dubai offer fitness enthusiasts that makes it an ideal city? What would you like to see improved or changed?
Dubai has pretty much any form of fitness you could ask for, leaving no excuse for residents not to be involved in sport activities. There is no other place that has so many fitness options alongside being the host to worldclass sporting events. Everything is easily accessible here which in large is down to the open mindedness and passion for sports of the country’s wise leadership.
In your opinion, what are the best fitness classes out there? Why?
Every individual is different and has their own goals. There is much argument about what sport is better or what he/she should be doing to achieve the fitness level they desire.
My message is simple: set some wild goals that challenge you and then figure out what fitness solution is going to take you there. With the amount of fitness options available, you can try and see what workout suits you the best and proceed accordingly.
Commitment is key to any initiative you take. Losing weight and getting your body in shape is a challenging task involving many sacrifices in your eating and lifestyle habits. But, if you manage to do so, then nothing can stop you from achieving the results you want.