Salma Ismail: ‘Fitness Changed the Way I Thought’

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by Alexandra Mansilla

Salma Ismail: ‘Fitness Changed the Way I Thought’

26 Apr 2024

On April 27th and 28th, the enormous Nike Well Festival unfolds at the Nara Desert Escape. Open to all, whether you are a seasoned fitness enthusiast or simply seeking rest and recovery, the festival presents a wide range of movement experiences. From tranquil yoga sessions to invigorating animal flow routines, all set against the breathtaking desert scenery. Tap here to sign up!

We recently caught up with one of the festival's trainers, Salma Ismail, who will be leading an exciting animal flow session. We seized the opportunity to ask her some of the questions we have always wanted to ask a fitness expert. Wondering what to drink if water isn't your thing? Or why your workouts aren't yielding results? We have got the answers!

— First of all, I know that there are many different stories out there, each person with their own unique journey in sports. What is yours?

— When I first got into fitness, I was about 23 years old and working in an advertising agency. I was the type to sit at my desk all day without much movement. Once I sat down, I was pretty much glued there from nine to six. I started realising just how unhealthy I was; I hated how I felt. I wasn't overweight, but I felt really unfit. That feeling motivated me to start looking around for solutions.

I began looking for local fitness classes and started with simple bodyweight exercises. I found myself loving the post-workout feeling. At first, I was like, “What's happening to me?” But as I progressed and achieved things I couldn't do before, I developed a real passion for it. I started participating in local fitness competitions and got serious about it. I would wake up at 5.30 am to train before work and hit the weights after. I was kind of obsessed.

Wanting to understand my body better, I pursued online certifications as a trainer, initially just for personal knowledge. I continued working in advertising for about four years. Then, one day in 2012, I made the decision to quit and focus more on fitness. It was a leap into the unknown, especially since there weren't many Arab female fitness trainers in Dubai at the time. I was stepping into uncharted territory.

The first client I ever had was a lady. Once she knew I was a woman, she didn't want to train with me.

— Really? But why?

— Because of the misconception that a guy might know more, you know, not a girl, especially in the Arab region. It was a challenge. That client never showed up, and I was like, “Oh my God, what did I do?” I had just left my nine-to-six job with its consistent income. So, I stayed patient and believed it would take some time.

Eventually, things started to pick up. I began organising boot camps for both men and women on the beach and in parks. I continued with that for a few years. Then, around 2014, I was introduced to someone from the Nike Team, and I became their NTC trainer in the region. That is when my relationship with Nike began.

Instagram: @salmasroutine

— How did they notice you?

— I was quite active on social media. As I started my training journey, I began participating in numerous local fitness competitions and sharing my experiences on Instagram. I posted fitness videos and other content, which started getting a lot of attraction. This led to features in various media publications.

A friend of a friend had connections with someone at Nike, which sparked a conversation. That is how my relationship with Nike began. I became a Nike trainer along with a few others in the region. From there, I continued participating in competitions while also focusing on other ventures.

At a certain point, I decided to shift my focus to women-only training. In Dubai, there was a noticeable gap in the market. While there were fitness-only gyms for women, there wasn't much personalised guidance. I wanted to provide comprehensive support, considering the differences in training and nutrition for women. So, my then-business partner and I established a women-only fitness program. We designed it to guide them through everything, from training to nutrition, over an eight-week challenge.

Since then, I have concentrated solely on women's fitness. In 2020, my husband and I launched our own company called OSSALMA. He handles the business side while I oversee the fitness programming. We also organise OSSALMA retreats, which focus on active lifestyles rather than just fitness.

— Did you change your eating habits when you got into sports? Was it tough?

— No, it wasn't difficult at first because I was determined to transform myself entirely. I remember living with my dad at the time, and he was always teasing me, like, “Hey, eat french fry, eat this, eat that.” But I stood firm! I made a conscious decision to cut those things out of my life. Initially, it felt like a personal challenge, and I embraced it.

However, over the years, it became harder. The cycle of ups and downs is common; you always face this yo-yo effect in the relationship between training and eating. For me, the key shift in mindset came when I stopped viewing it as a temporary diet and started seeing it as a permanent way of living. I liken it to school nights; during the week, you stick to a routine, just like you wouldn't stay out late on a school night. Home-cooked meals during the week provide control over ingredients and portion sizes, focusing on a balanced diet of carbs, greens, and protein.

I have learned that there is no need for refined sugar or fried foods; they are simply desires, not necessities. By enjoying meals out on weekends while staying active throughout the week, I have found a sustainable balance. Initially, I may have been overly obsessive with training, but as I have matured, I have realised the importance of moderation to prevent burnout.

Many people start training with specific goals in mind, often related to weight loss for a particular event. However, the key is to shift from short-term goals to embracing fitness as a lifelong journey. Once you make that commitment to integrate it into your lifestyle, everything changes.

You know, my experience has shaped a significant part of my character, not just in fitness but in life overall. It is boosted my confidence and taught me that what may initially seem impossible can become achievable with dedication.

This journey has instilled a strong character within me, influencing every aspect of my life. It is not just about fitness; it is about mindset and how you approach challenges. The confidence and resilience I have gained translate to all areas of life, whether it is at work, during meetings, or tackling new projects. It is about the mindset it cultivates and the strength it builds.

— So, do you remember when you noticed the first results of regular training? What were they?

— For me, the primary motivation was performance-based goals. It was about celebrating achievements like progressing from five to ten push-ups or accomplishing pull-ups.

Then, of course, as my lifestyle evolved, physical changes naturally followed, but my main focus was never on aesthetics. By the way, I faced criticism for appearing too muscular, like “You're starting to look like a guy; you're not feminine; you have too many muscles around your shoulder.” But I didn’t care. I saw that my body was changing, I liked and fell in love more with the process.

Fitness changed me mentally, the way I thought. Learning intricate techniques such as Olympic lifting instilled a belief in my capabilities beyond the gym. I believed that I was really capable of doing anything in my life. To push a car or to lift something, whatever. Do you want me to do it? I will do it. That is how my mentality was.

Focusing solely on aesthetics should never be the goal to start with. Aesthetics is a very tricky thing. Once you have that as your goal, you will never be satisfied. You will often find yourself in front of the mirror, thinking, "Oh, but this could be better." This approach can play tricks on your mind.

That is why I rarely post before-and-after photos focused on appearance. Instead, I emphasise performance improvements because I don't want women to judge themselves solely based on how they look. My goal is for them to feel better, train better, and become healthier. I believe that fixating on aesthetics and comparing bodies fosters a toxic environment, especially with the influence of social media. The constant comparisons to edited images can leave you feeling perpetually dissatisfied and never truly satisfied with yourself.

— And what if someone consistently trains three or four times a week but sees no results? What could be causing this lack of progress?

— There is always a reason. And it varies from person to person. Whether you are aiming for improved fitness, body aesthetics, or progression in training, there is a specific cause for any lack of progress. If you are not seeing results in terms of weight loss or body fat reduction, it could indicate that adjustments are needed in your diet. Since there is no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition, finding what works best for your body requires some trial and error. It is crucial to listen to your body and observe how it responds to different foods and meals. Everyone's body reacts differently, with some individuals being more sensitive to carbs or having different insulin levels. Understanding these nuances allows you to tailor your approach accordingly and make necessary changes to achieve your goals. So, while it may involve a testing process, there is always a way to identify and address the underlying reasons behind any setbacks or challenges you encounter.

Instagram: @salmasroutine

— What sport you don't like?

— Running! I have got a funny story about it. My very first 10K was during the Nike run in Dubai, a massive event. I was asked to be a 10K pacer, so there I was, carrying the flag indicating the expected finishing time.

But I have always been more of a sprinter than a marathoner. Ask me to run anything more than 5K, and I will be like, "No way." So, this was my first time attempting a 10K run, and I had the added pressure of being a pacer, leading the way with a flag. People were relying on me to finish within a specific time, so slowing down wasn't an option.

As I ran, I kept telling myself, "You can't stop. You'll look ridiculous. It'll be embarrassing. Just one step at a time, keep going." Somehow, I managed to finish the race within the given time, thank goodness. But as soon as I stopped, reality hit. My body wasn't cut out for long-distance running. I felt my whole body collapse, realising that it just wasn't my forte. So, yeah, long-distance running is definitely not my thing. I hate it, but I willl tough it out if I have to.

— We have always been told that the average amount of water we should drink is around two litres per day. How much water do you drink? Did you have to teach yourself to drink more water? I am asking because when I tried to get into fitness, it was the hardest thing for me. I just don’t like drinking water. What about you?

— I am exactly like you. My husband always has to remind me to drink water. Now, the recommended amount of water intake is about one litre for every 20 kilos of body weight. For me, that translates to roughly three and a half litres. However, I must admit I hate the taste of water. It makes me feel full, and I end up using the bathroom a lot, which is annoying. So, I had to find a solution that worked for me.

I realised that using big bottles was overwhelming for me. Just the sight of a large bottle made me feel like I had to drink a lot, and I would only end up taking a sip or two before forgetting about it. Instead, I found that using a straw encourages me to drink more water. Additionally, having smaller amounts of water, whether it is in a small bottle or glass, makes it easier for me to consume throughout the day compared to facing a daunting litre-sized bottle.

— You know, it is like you could either buy a large Twix or Snickers, or you could opt for a bag of mini chocolates.

— Exactly. And then you will realise that you are prone to eating more of the small ones because you don't know how much you're eating. But then you end up eating so many of them, and you don't realise you have eaten more than a regular-sized one.

So it is the same concept. I found what works best for me. And I have realised that drinking it that way and finding different ways has helped me drink more water. So maybe that will help you try it out!

Water is very important. If you are not drinking water, your body will retain water, right? Because our bodies are made of it.

So, you need to help your body eliminate excess water by drinking more water. If your body senses that you are not getting enough water, it will hold onto it, causing retention. Therefore, drinking water is essential to flush out the excess. It is a crucial aspect of the process, and it is also beneficial for your skin and overall health.

Instagram: @salmasroutine

— Do you take any supplements?

— You know, I have always struggled with medication and supplements because I have difficulty swallowing them. Even when I am sick and need to take antibiotics, it is challenging for me to commit to it. So, generally, I have never been fond of supplements. Protein shakes might be the simplest option, especially if you are not getting enough protein from meals. If you're unable to consume a full meal but need to meet your protein intake, a protein shake can be a good substitute, but not for all meals, obviously. However, even to this day, I have trained without any supplements, believing that they aren't necessarily essential. I only recommend them if someone is deficient in something specific. I don't push my clients to take supplements unless they struggle to eat a full meal, in which case, I suggest a protein shake to ensure their protein intake is sufficient.

I have never felt a strong need for supplements. While they might improve athletic performance for some, it ultimately depends on whether you are aiming to be a professional athlete or simply want to stay active and healthy.

— Let's talk a bit about food again. Given that you have numerous clients and are likely to understand more about them, including their eating habits, have you observed any particular food addiction among them? Is it junk food, sugar, or something else?

— Everyone is different, but one of the common issues many face is having too much of a sweet tooth. Sugar intake is a significant factor, along with consuming excess calories from foods that may seem harmless. Sometimes, just eliminating one item from your diet can make a considerable difference. For example, some women struggle with refined sugar, excessive intake of the wrong carbs, or oversized portions. Even removing something as simple as a soda drink from your daily routine, if consumed regularly, can lead to significant improvements.

Living here in the Middle East, these are among the most prevalent food-related challenges for women: large portion sizes, excessive refined sugar consumption, and the allure of rich and attractive foods. It can be very tempting to indulge in such foods, whether homemade or otherwise. Sometimes, it is about making gradual changes rather than overwhelming oneself with drastic measures. For instance, I often advise clients to start by simply tracking their food intake for a week. This helps them become more attuned to their bodies and understand how different foods affect them. Many women mistake bloating for fat accumulation, not realising that certain foods may be causing inflammation and discomfort.

Even when providing meal plans or during an eight-week challenge, I encourage clients to keep a food journal. This allows them to note how they feel after each meal, helping us tweak their diets accordingly. It is not about diving into a strict diet right away; it is about making gradual changes that eventually become a sustainable lifestyle.

Another piece of advice I often share is about managing food temptations at home. Personally, I am the type of person who will eat whatever is available in the house, whether it is chips, chocolate, or any other snack. So, I have learned to avoid keeping such items at home altogether. Instead, I suggest substituting unhealthy snacks with healthier options like unsalted nuts or berries. These can serve as satisfying munchies without derailing your health goals. By keeping nutritious snacks on hand and avoiding excessive hunger, you are less likely to succumb to unhealthy cravings and make better choices overall.

— So, Nike Well Festival. What should we wait for from the event? Tell us everything.

— Honestly? I think it is going to be one of the most incredible wellness festivals ever. This event will offer everything from wellness and movement to sound healing. Every aspect of health and wellness will be covered. They are incorporating different experiences to cater to everyone's interests. You can expect dance, yoga, animal flow (which I will be doing), HIIT, and various other stations, including claybuilding, breath and panel conversations. So, it is truly something for everyone. Whatever you are looking for, you will find it at the festival.

So, there will be different timings and schedules for each day. We are also preparing a signature workout, a choreographed experience led by Nike Well Collective Trainers, which will seamlessly guide attendees through various modalities of movement within a 45-minute session.

— Could you please tell me more about animal flow?

— You can think of it as a unique blend of capoeira, yoga, and dance that keeps you grounded — literally. At all times, one or two limbs are always touching the floor, allowing you to move gracefully on your hands and feet. You have control over the direction of movement as long as it flows smoothly. It combines elements of endurance, strength, power, stability, and flexibility.

— Have you ever trained in the desert?

— No, I have only done shoots!

— Can you imagine how it will be?

— So, actually, you won't be on soft sand. No, the layout and platform will be built for everyone to stand on. They have constructed an incredible stage where everyone will gather. It will be set up in a way that ensures a clean and comfortable environment, conducive to training. This event is open to anyone, regardless of their fitness level.

by Alexandra Mansilla