‘Don’t wish for a good body, work for it’

Filipino expat and Dubai resident Malen Flores works as a front desk manager at a fitness centre in Al Barsha South. Her role entails encouraging people to sign up and get fit. But to do that, she has to lead by example. Despite her busy work schedule, Malen dedicates at least 30-45 minutes of her time to do workout every day.

“Promoting fitness is my life,” 30-year-old Malen tells Khaleej Times. “I always push myself to be fit and healthy so when people see me, I tell them to do the same and I encourage them to change their mindset on how to be fit and healthy.”

“If you are persistent you will get it (healthy body) and, if you are consistent, you will keep it. Don’t wish for a good body, work for it,” adds Malen.

“I’ve been working at Gold’s Gym for three years and I want to lead by example so I make sure to work out regularly. I do at least 30-minute session on the treadmill or join circuit training and, once a week, I attend a kickboxing class to release tension and stress,” she adds.

Malen says being motivated with fitness is difficult if you are not consistent. She keeps on reminding her clients that consistency and having a healthy and balanced diet are the pillars of a healthy lifestyle.

“My primary responsibility is to keep a strong relationship with our club members, making sure that they are consistently coming to the gym and committed with their fitness goals,” says Malen.

“Here in Dubai, many residents resort to eating out as a stress reliever and they forget to do any physical activities. That’s bad. So, I constantly remind my clients that health and fitness is very important to us and we need to work out to get its full benefits,” she explains.

She adds: “Good thing we now have this 30X30 Dubai Fitness Challenge. Every resident, depending on their level of skills and capability, is asked to have his/her own fitness goal. And if they can maintain being active even just for 30 minutes every day, they will surely feel the amazing result after one month.”

angel@khaleejtimes.com

Here in Dubai, many residents resort to eating out as a stress reliever and they forget to do any physical activities.”