The NBD: Hi there! Could you kindly introduce yourself?
CYY: Hi, my name is Yusuf Yahaya, and I'm a gym instructor with 11 years of experience helping people transform their bodies. Currently, I work at the fitness centre of the City Star hotel in Maiduguri, Borno State, though I hail from Kogi State.
The NBD: That sounds impressive! How did you get involved in the whole fitness thing and what is your motivation?
CYY: Actually, I took an interest in fitness & bodybuilding from an early age, right from when I was in secondary school back in the year 2010. I didn't have access to a proper gym in those days, but I started real muscle building by regularly going up-and-down a flight of stairs with a couple of 25-litre jerrycans in the process of fetching water at my grandfather's place. I got involved in all these and more strenuous activities (such as school punishment lol) out of a love for physical culture in general but nowadays, what drives me is seeing people grow both physically and mentally through fitness. I began instructing in 2014 and that is when things took off for me, really.
The NBD: What is a typical work day like for you and how do you engage your clients?
CYY: I take pride in designing personalized fitness, bodybuilding and weight loss programs that not only get results but also build confidence and discipline in my clients. A typical day at the (office) gym for me entails a 4pm-9pm shift. I usually lead warm-ups and flexibility training from 4 till 5, followed by an hour-and-a-half of strength training and muscle building. By 7pm I take aerobics for about an hour and then I run a 30-minute abdominal workout session. I spend the last half hour taking swimming classes for any interested clients.
The NBD: What advice would you offer to anyone looking to take up fitness or bodybuilding for the first time?
CYY: As an instructor, my advice to anyone in fitness or bodybuilding is to stay consistent, train smart, and never stop wanting to learn.
The NBD: What plans do you have for the further progression of your chosen career? Have you ever considered competitive fitness/bodybuilding as well?
CYY: I am currently in the process of gaining the relevant certifications subject to the availability of sufficient financial resources. This will open more opportunities, help me work in more professional settings, and give my clients confidence. I do not really have any interest in stepping on stage, just a passion to coach others in order to help them achieve their chosen body goals.
The NBD: How can you be contacted by anyone desirous of undertaking a workout program with you, either virtually or face-to-face?
CYY: You can reach out to me directly through my WhatsApp on +2348101771766; TikTok DMs @Coach_Yusuf1; and email: yusufyahaya88@gmail.com. If you're nearby, I train clients at (the fitness centre within) City Star Restaurant & Accommodation in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The NBD: Thank you for your time Coach, this has been an interesting and enlightening bit of engagement!
CYY: My pleasure!
