The Indian expats
Suchitra Pramod, 41, of Dubai, hired a personal trainer for her 15-year-old son after he tipped the scales at 90kg
I used to try to get Anirudh and his 13-year-old brother Ashish interested in sport but they wouldn’t listen. And then earlier last year Anirudh said that his friend had started working out with a personal trainer and that he’d like one too. I thought it was a great idea as it would motivate him, and the boys could work out together without hurting themselves.
We signed them up with Shahab Shabani, who is based in Dubai, and the change was drastic. Anirudh lost 10kg in five months and he’s much healthier. Both boys think twice now before consuming food riddled with calories and they do a mix of cardio and weight exercises.
I was worried in case the weight training would stunt their growth as they’re still young but Shahab explained how adequate muscle development would actually release hormones that would make them grow taller.
As a parent I worry about high cholesterol and diabetes, but the personal trainer is a great way to get children fit and healthy.
I know of a young boy who is suffering from depression due to his weight, as a result of which he doesn’t get out of his house much, which only adds to his problem – it’s a vicious cycle.
I didn’t want that for my children, which is why I started them off with a personal trainer. They are fitter and happier now and it shows in the confidence boost and higher levels of self-esteem they now have.