Essa Al Ansari: Changing Up the Fitness Game in the UAE
It is inevitable, you go on Instagram, YouTube or even Facebook and you’re bound to come across a stunning model in the gym with gleaming muscles mocking your unhealthy lifestyle. You either end up binge-eating knowing you’ll never achieve half of what they have or end up getting motivated enough to get off the couch and actually do something about it.
Que Essa Al Ansari, a 25 year old UAE native, who not only found the motivation but the drive to lose 70 kilos and transform his life completely. Leading him into becoming one of the region’s most sought after motivational speakers on healthy lifestyles.
1) First off, tell us a little bit about your fitness journey. What was your initial goal?
I reached a point in my life where I went up to 128KG, which was very unhealthy and I seriously had to change it. My goal of course was to lose weight, but at the same time stay healthy and change my lifestyle from being an unfit person to a fit and active person.
2) Considering you first wanted to lose weight only first, how did this journey take a turn from there, turning you into what many may call a fitness guru in Dubai?
After losing around 70KG, being a young Emirati business entrepreneur I decided to start a campaign called FITNESS WITH ESSA on social media. My goal was to inspire as many people as possible, not only in the UAE but around the world. I started giving motivational talks and tips on my social media channels and it just took off from there.
3) Have you achieved your goal yet, where do you go from here?
My goals will never end, as soon as I finish one I’ll go on to the next one. I want to give talks around the world and travel to other countries in the Middle East, Europe and the States to hopefully inspire and motivate as many people as possible.
4) What’s your favorite cheat meal?
Hmm, my favorite cheat meal! GOOD QUESTION! I love sweets like cake, candy, chocolate. My cheat meal is usually on a Friday where I have a big portion of whatever I want at the time. However, the best thing about my cheat meal is eating all these amazing desserts that are all over the UAE.
5) what’s your daily routine? How do you maintain this lifestyle in such a fast paced world?
My daily routine is the following:
- I am usually up around 5:30 am.
- I do fasted cardio from time to time then have my first meal at home.
- I head to work.
- I head to the gym after work then to home and relax with the family and head to bed.
- During the week I tend to focus on myself and in the weekends I see my friends.
6) What advice would you give others who are just starting on this path? Words of encouragement so to say!
Set a goal, take baby steps and accomplish your dreams! If you do not set a goal, you will not be able to get anywhere in life!
7) Do you alternate your workouts? How do you keep it interesting?
Yes I do. I usually change from strength to circuit training, to cardio from time to time. My goal is to bulk up and gain muscle so therefore just focusing on weights with my trainer Jeremy who has been pushing me all the way!
8) We all have those days where we just don’t want to work out, how do you motivate yourself?
Results is key to motivation! I get mine from my family who always support me, and of course, my trainer who always says that I’m doing a great job. My trainer Jeremy has changed my life 100%.
9) Do you see people’s outlook in the region changing towards fitness? If yes, how so?
Yes, of course. People are starting to realize, especially here in the Middle East, that obesity is getting out of control and it needs to be stopped. Many sport activities have been introduced here in the UAE, thanks to DSC and His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
10) Last but not least, with Ramadan around the corner, how do you recommend people stay fit? Specifically in terms of their eating style and working out (before or after Iftar)
Ramadan is a big problem for people here in the Middle East as people tend to put on a lot of weight due to overeating. The best way is to eat small portions from the time they break their fast to when they sleep and focus on having a lot of protein and vegetables.
Exercise is recommended, either an hour before Iftar, during Iftar time or after. I usually train right at Iftar time where I have a protein shake and a banana, train then have my main meal after.
WE SAID THIS: For more on Essa and how to connect with him, check out his website here.
