MEET THE MANAGER: Yusuf
Yusuf has been part of our GLL for 5 years and now is newly part of the team at Hammersmith Fitness and Squash Centre. He has a passion for getting teenagers training and was integral in launching the Junior Gym within our clubs. We love him for his calming influence and intense core classes! Read below a short Interview with Yusuf to get him know better:
How long have you been in the fitness industry?
- Coming up to 5 years.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
- I mean, every young boys dream is to be a footballer, but there were a few others; a secret agent and a movie star to name a few. (yes I know I watch too many movies)
If you were on death row, what would be your last meal?
- I’m going to go with a 3 course meal:
Starter – Fish Pakora with a dip of course
Main – Love Italian so A pizza or pasta dish will do me.
Dessert – Baklawa/Baklava with Madagascan vanilla ice cream.
What is your favourite movie of all time?
The Prestige.
What is your dream holiday destination?
Would love to visit my family’s home islands so the Caribbean.
What is your go to work out?
The back muscles has got to be my favourite muscle group so:
- 500m warm up on the rower.
- Wide Grip Pull UP - 5 Sets – 10 Reps.
- Lat pull down Super set with Standing Lat Pulldown – 4 Sets 10 Reps.
- Single arm Dumbbell Row – 4 Sets – 8 Reps (Heavy) 12 Reps (Light).
- Rack Pulls (the ultimate exercise) – 4 Sets – 12,10,8,6 Reps.
What would be your advice to anybody looking to join a gym?
As well as setting achievable and realistic goals which are very important you have to make sure you enjoy what you will be doing whether its classes or a specific workout or both.
I think changing your style of training is important, our bodies adapt and get used to a particular method of training and at time you may feel like your progress has come to halt, don’t be afraid to look for new workouts, exit your comfort zone and most importantly ask for help whether you need a spot from a fellow gym member or advice from staff the gym community are always happy to help.
It's important to realise that this is YOUR journey and everyone has different goals and you should never compare your progress to another’s. Yes use other people’s progress for motivation but don’t feel like you have to be at the same stage as someone for any reason.
What is the song that you can’t stop playing at the moment?
Meh. Music’s kind of dead to me these days, I love the 90’s 2000’s Hip hop, Rap, I enjoy Afro Beats and Grime but I’m open to exploring anything. My playlists might surprise you.
If you were having a movie made about you – who would play you?
Hmmm that’s a mad one. Maybe Michael B, Will or John Boyega.
What advice would you give your 16 year old younger self?
Make the most of every opportunity, Stay true to yourself always, Choose your company/relationships wisely.
If you could invite 3 famous people to dinner (dead or alive) who would they be?
Johnny Depp - for the comedy and I think he’s just a very real person.
Cleopatra – Would be so interesting to learn about how she ruled and what it was like during her era.
Some current famous investor, businessman and philanthropist with a wealth of knowledge – Maybe Warren Buffett – Knowledge is power after all.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Jessica Alba and Ana De Armas if I have to choose.
What is the single most expensive purchase you have ever made?
My motorbike and I plan on buying even more expensive ones in the future.
Did you have a nickname growing up, if so, what was it?
I actually had few embarrassing ones
Kidextra – Some friend in secondary made it up for me and I was like “why not”
Pacekid – Because I was the fastest boy in my year.
More recently people just call me Forbes (my surname)
Who is the most famous person you have met?
No one to be honest.
If you could only use one piece of fitness equipment/machine for the rest of your life…what would it be?
Ski Erg, what an amazing piece of equipment it is.