Emirati hopes to be inspiration on UAE National Sports Day

The aim of UAE National Sports Day is to encourage a healthier lifestyle through sport and activity. Emirati Mohammed Kassim is one of many who will be taking part in fitness activities today, and he’s proof positive of a healthy lifestyle. In early 2014, Mohammed weighed in at 197kg and required two knee operations. Fast forward 18 months and the 30-year-old now works out six days a week, and is a trim and healthy 97kg. Tonight, as part of the UAE National Sports Day schedule, Mohammed will be taking part in an outdoor CrossFit class with the InnerFight crew at Dubai International Marine Club at 7pm. A gruelling but fun workout, CrossFit is now part of an everyday routine for Mohammed. Changed days indeed for a man who was in danger of doing himself serious damage with his unhealthy lifestyle just more than a year ago. He says: “Even after surgery on my knees, the doctor told me that the injury would come back if I didn’t reduce my weight. With the second surgery, being unable to move, my weight went up to its heaviest at 197kg. But with the motivation of my friends, I started CrossFit workouts and changed my food habits and lifestyle, even my sleeping. Within a year I lost more than 100kg.” Mohammed ditched the fast-food diet which previously kept him going between studies and his job in corporate communications, instead turning to a healthy balanced diet thanks to some invaluable expert input from the InnerFight team. He also hit the gym, starting off with three hourly training sessions a week, where he was forced to replace running drills with rowing exercises and squats because of his size. His perseverance paid off, though. Now he works out six days out of seven, training up to 16 hours per week, and even has a Half Ironman in his sights early next year. It’s not just a personal challenge that Mohammed is undertaking. He’s also an ambassador for the Intisaar Foundation, InnerFight’s non-profit community programme, which offers Emirati youths the opportunity to embrace a better lifestyle through fitness. The lifestyle programme, created by InnerFight founder Marcus Smith, hopes to switch youngsters onto a healthier path before they need remedial help. Mohammed explains: “These 15- to 18-year-olds are the base of the future. From childhood we want to put fitness and health in their mind. We don’t want to wait until they are obese to find a solution. I think being an ambassador of the programme gives it more reality if they know my story. It’s not just about weight loss or gaining strength, it’s more than that. Maybe that kid will be something in the future if you put the right things in his mind now.” Mohammed wants others to take their first small steps on the road to fitness during UAE National Sports Day today. He is keen to emphasise how important company is on a long journey, highlighting the InnerFight coaches and friends who gave him support. Talking about the opportunity presented to all at UAE National Sports Day, he adds: “It is so fantastic that we have been given the opportunity to change our attitude and enjoy an active life rather than a lazy life.” His final word of advice? He feels and looks like a new man. “Now, many people don’t recognise my face. The people who knew me before, they think I am a totally different person. They don’t remember my old face!” chris.fraser@7days.ae