Fitness First: Fuzzy Faruque

Fuzzy Faruque on her fitness philosophy

Fuzzy Faruque of Studio X is a spin instructor at the gym and an avid user of social media. As she prepares to start the next chapter of her life, she talks to us about her personal journey to fitness, how she became a spin instructor and the things she loves to do when she’s not working. From the delicious things she likes to indulge in on cheat day, to her fitness mantra and future plans for Studio X, she shares it all.

How would you describe your fitness philosophy?

Recently my fitness philosophy has changed. I find it an extremely personal journey. A journey that one has to make with yourself and that starts with respecting your body and being patient with the process. Each of us have different genetics and goals. So how can one philosophy be for everyone?

What inspired you to join the fitness industry?

My journey into the fitness industry was purely by default. My mother had the gym throughout my childhood, yet I never stepped foot in the studio or had any intentions to. A couple of years ago, my grandfather fell ill, and I quit my teaching job to spend more time with him. I also had spare time during the day, and in order to keep myself busy I started to help my mother with the social media and marketing at the studio. From there I spent more time in the classes, taking pictures and eventually joined the classes. The more classes I took, the more I wanted to learn about the health and fitness industry. Soon enough, I told my mother I wanted to become a fitness trainer, and her jaw dropped.

Three things in your diet you can’t go a day without?

Protein shake, protein pancakes, and dark chocolate.

A piece of advice you’d give to someone who wants to venture into Spinning?

Train. Learn. Practice. Repeat.

What’s your typical day like?

Well these days, since I’m getting married, I’m not working anymore. I can’t tell you how much I miss teaching my classes. But if we were to talk about what my day comprised of before all the wedding madness then this would be roughly my daily routine. My day starts at 9am. I take my breakfast to the studio with me where I manage the juice bar and studio in the morning. My classes start at 10am, after which I do personal training till 1pm. I go home for lunch and prep for my evening classes and then go train myself with my personal trainer Pervaiz five times a week. When I’m back at the studio I do a run through of the studio and juice bar making sure everything is fine, meet clients and then start my evening classes from 6-8pm. By the time I get done I’m so physically exhausted I literally fall on my sofa and all I want to do is eat my dinner and watch TV in peace and quiet.



Why Spinning?

Ah good question. When I attended my first spin class I felt that instant connection with the trainer, the music and the workout. I loved the energy and the mind and body connection it created. It only took one class for me to know what I really wanted to speaclise in.

Advice you’d give to people looking to attain a healthier lifestyle?

Make small goals. Make small changes. Be cosistent. Put in the hard work and don’t fall for any fad diets. And most importantly move more! We don’t move enough here.

What are some common fitness misconceptions/questions you are asked by your clients?

Even though the fitness and health industry has evolved in the last couple of years, I still get the same questions I got when I first started. These include things like, do carbs make you fat and does spin make your legs bulky and so on!

How is your fitness mantra different from others?

I don’t preach. I don’t upload workout videos. I don’t tell people what to eat because the journey as I mentioned above is very personal to me. And if we don’t go through that journey on our own, we will never be able to get to know our body and how to respect it. What works for it. What doesn’t. I can guide you. But the decisons are made purely by the person so that they are able to build the confidence to make their own decisions without second guessing yourself.

Your favourite foods to eat on a cheat day?

Doughnuts! And Test Kitchen brownies!

Which celebrity would you like to train and why?

Omg I’d love to train JLo. Purely because I love her!

Something you enjoy doing when you’re not working?

Baking.

Future plans for Studio X?

To maintain our service and get clients to stay with us/come back to us. When that happens you know you’re doing something right.

A saying or quote that keeps you going?

I don’t really have one. But as cliche as it sounds “enjoy the process. Be patient. And the results will come” It’s true.