KHDA chief leads the way when it comes to fitness
Seeking to inspire others, Dr Abdullah Al Karam, KHDA’s director-general shares his views about fitness and how he keeps himself fit despite his busy schedule.
Why are you passionate about fitness? Your body is the most precious resource that you have. Your job will go away, eventually and you will retire. Your friends will go away. Everything that comes to you goes away. But if your health is gone, you’re gone.
I finally found a medicine that keeps you young, makes you live for long, makes you happy, adds more days to your life, adds more life to your days and this medicine is free. It’s available everywhere — exercise.
How do you incorporate exercise into your day?
I wake up at 4.30am, or 5am, after a minimum of seven hours of sleep. I go to the gym and focus on two things — building stamina and strength training. Sometimes I go for a swim, or play golf at home using a simulator. I meditate and then have breakfast. I set aside 2-3 hours befoe going to work for fitness.
How do you make time for fitness in your packed schedule? The most important thing is to manage time because if you don’t manage time, time will manage you. I set my alarm one hour earlier if I want to add something to my morning activity before work.
What’s your message to those who don’t lack discipline? Understand that if you want to live a better, longer and healthier life, it is your choice. If you do nothing about it, it’s your choice. But know that eventually it will catch up with you. I hope it’s not too late.