Dubai's weightloss winners

Trying to get back in shape after the seasonal blowout? Try this Discuss this article

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Amir Behforooz

36, personal trainer, Iranian
Weight loss: 50kg
‘I was involved with exercise a long time ago – I used to do karate and bodybuilding, and was involved with other sports such as basketball. Then about five years ago I broke my shoulder and had leg and shin splints, and for a year and a half I didn’t do any exercise at all. I started to eat and enjoy my life. But soon I put on a lot of weight and wasn’t happy with how I looked or felt.

‘So I started going to the Aviation Club. At first I just did classes. I was so shy and I would always hide at the back of the class. Then I got a personal trainer and started training six days a week. He really helped me. I must admit, the first 15kg was the hardest to lose – the hardest in my life. After all that time away from the gym, starting up again was really painful. My trainer also went over my diet, and cut loads of stuff out. I couldn’t eat many of the things I used to eat: no more pizza, spaghetti or cola. But after I got past that first 15kg, it got easier. I had a goal, and by that point I knew what was going on and what I was doing. I definitely don’t miss the old me – not even the food. I’m too happy with my life now.

‘While I was training at the Aviation Club, I got to know Simon Brown, the manager, and the staff really well, and now I’m also a trainer at the club. I owe a lot to them – they really helped to bring my confidence back.’

Weight loss tip

‘I’d say losing weight is 70 per cent about diet. Also, it’s about developing a routine and getting in the gym six times a week for at least 45 minutes. When just starting out or recovering from an injury, you can’t just start to run or do any old exercise – it won’t work. I believe having a good trainer or instructor is really important.’