By Rubia Moghees
Finally, we have a fitness fanatic trio who mixes street-smart approach with crucial workout targets including understanding the client on a personal level and customizing the regimen according to the needs and requirements. TCB as in The Circuit Box is about high-intensity interval training that works on strength, endurance and stamina, relying on the principle of (HIIT) where you are to perform with intense bursts of energy for short periods of time, sending your heart racing resulting in an optimum fat burn.
The levels and the workout after-burn will ensure that one continues to burn calories up to the next workout whereas the nutrition plan will ensure a healthy transition. Sounds exciting, we got hold of the trio for an in-depth look into the program that is creating a buzz all around.
‘We cannot create self-love and a loving body image by “hating ourselves into it” – with a forced diet, lifeless exercise and hurtful thoughts,’ says Mehreen who like many other women had struggled with post-pregnancy weight and depression.
What does it entail of being a brand ambassador of the program?
I have two children and in motherhood, I saw my body go with the stresses of managing kids and the general running around with managing a family. I let my body fell into a mild depression. I joined the TCB class on Faisel’s advice and saw myself being challenged both mentally and physically which is why I have documented and choose to discuss my testimonial. It takes someone with years of experience and knowledge to provide guidelines on where and how to begin the diet, with certain exercises that you can push your body to do without causing it damage. Suddenly, I was out of my comfort zone and I loved it! The trainers helped me overcome my fears and I started feeling strong and beautiful again. Feeling fit plays an important role in your state of mind and personal life too.
There is nothing more comforting than achieving the clients’ goals. How important is a client’s satisfaction?
To see your client achieve their fitness and energy levels gives an immense satisfaction.
For many women, the various diets lead to obsessive eating habits and gorging because they felt robbed for having a list of foods to avoid from a particular diet. How crucial is the role of the coach in this scenario?
Generally people lead a fairly sedentary lifestyle in Pakistan. We are surrounded by the norm of delicious but unhealthy food. TCB concept is not too completely make 360 degrees around you’re eating habits but make adjustments so you start making clever decisions in the choice of food. Remember Years of unhealthy habits cannot be eradicated overnight or in a few weeks. One has to reevaluate life and make a change; only then one can have a chance at a healthy life. Start by following the plan and focus on making those adjustments. Once you start seeing the results you will subconsciously start wanting and looking for healthier food choices and better lifestyle.
‘Fitness is a route to a blissful life’ how true is the statement?
I can tell you through my journey. If you feel fit, you feel full of life and mentally aware to tackle other aspects of your life with positivity. The universe revolves around energy and fitness is one of the steps for attaining this level of focus and positive frame of mind.
How difficult is it to inculcate change in a client’s approach towards fitness and change of lifestyle?
It’s not difficult at all. Once you have a made a decision to change your life TCB trainers are on hand to help you through your journey. The hardest step is to commit, the rest is gravy.
What is your sustainable advice from your own perception of a wrong body image?
It should not necessarily be about the image. In society, we fall prey to feeling subconscious about our looks and shape. You should exude inner confidence and fitness gives you that strength of mind.
What is the difference between a trainer and a coach?
A trainer is someone that may be good at getting you results through a coach is someone you train you how to focus on your lifestyle and keep you mentally strong. They know how to work around injuries and keep engaging. You have to go through many stages of training clients and education to be able to coach.
‘As long as you try your best you will gradually improve and see the desired results,’ says Billy, the trainer.
What are the mechanics of the workouts offered at TCB?
The TCB workouts are structured in a manner where we incorporate all facets of modern day training including functional, plyometrics weights, body weights, powerlifting and boxing.
How long is the duration?
The class is about one-hour duration with 5-10 minutes of warm-up. We also offer an extended 20-minute yoga session after class on Fridays.
Why are women resistant in building muscle mass especially in Pakistan?
This is solely due to lack of education. Weight training is essential to developing bone strength, posture and managing weight loss. Cardio has its place in fitness, however, it needs to be combined with building muscle. As we age we lose muscle and it is essential that women take heed and work on this in order to develop strength both mentally and physically.
Do you agree that every “body” is different and therefore requires a particular aspect of training?
Everybody is different and needs to be challenged in different ways in order to ascertain the desired results. It’s not only that but different bodies and people flock to different types of training based on their desired goals and enjoyment.
Can you share the results of the participants without naming them?
A number of clients initially felt that the class would be daunting but a few sessions into it and they began to enjoy the challenge. The class is tough and it is meant to be in order to challenge you. Training and results is progression. We are here to help and support you in order to improve your fitness levels, lead a healthy lifestyle and make a better YOU!
‘Fitness is a journey NOT a sprint,’ said Faisal.
What’s the new face of modern fitness training in Pakistan?
Modern day training has moved away from the traditional bodybuilding for aesthetic purposes to where fitness is defined by having stamina, endurance and strength. We see people incorporating functional, plyometrics, kickboxing and powerlifting in their routines in order to keep them mentally and physically challenged.
Can you explain the difference between a 42-day challenge and fitness 180 programs or trainers offering diet plans taken off the net and how diverse is your program offered?
We are not a ‘bootcamp’ and we are not a mass commercial program. Our class revolves around a maximum class of 16-18 people trained by 3 trainers including Billy who is a level 3 certified trainer from the UK. We structure our class as a circuit so clients are NOT on a stagnant station performing monotonous routines. Each class is structured to split body parts and we incorporate all facets of modern day training like weights, body weights, functional, Tabata, plyometrics, boxing, powerlifting and cardio. The idea is that through incorporating all the facets clients are mentally and physically challenged at all times with constant exciting routines. We take special attention to welcome beginners as well as athletes as we focus on pushing everyone to their own abilities whilst paying special attention to their form and technique.
What is the vision of TCB?
We are not proponents of diet fads for quick fix weight loss. These may give you desired results in the short term, however, leave a negative. Our focus is on enlightening people how to make the necessary adjustments in their dietary habits in order to lead a healthy lifestyle and get their desired results over a passage of time and sustain it.
How diverse is your clientele?
Our clients are from total beginners to national professional cricket athletes.
What kind of training is available and how is it different from the rest?
We are NOT a commercial program so clients get more personal focus and we don’t promote dietary fads. We believe in a lifestyle. We can only achieve if we are compassionate and not commercially oriented.
How is your program cost-effective?
Clients get a scientific before and after health assessment, one free massage and diet plan. Our trainers are always on hand to answer questions and help guide clients in the right direction. In the scheme of things, we are competitively priced being something more unique and non-commercial.
What are the plans for future?
We have 4 branches across Lahore and Karachi. We aim to launch TCB across Pakistan.
