T-Diaries: Jeannette Faruque
My inspiration hit when I incorporated fitness into my lifestyle, because of how it made me feel afterwards. I felt peaceful, complete, healthy, energetic, happy, fulfilled and most of all beautiful inside out.
An idea that changed your life?
Establishing a fitness studio in Karachi as there was a vacuum in the awareness and education of fitness and its benefits.
How has doing what you do changed your life?
My job brings me such joy and happiness. The best part of it is when I see clients come in and experience the same journey I did when I first started. You can automatically see the change in people when they start exercising! They’re happier; they’re glowing and so full of energy! I feel very honoured and humbled to help my clients achieve their fitness goals. By guiding, teaching, and improving the quality of life for other individuals, my own quality of life improves.
Tell us why you chose to become a fitness trainer?
I attended fitness classes that existed back then, went to the gym and kept fit. However, the lack of qualified fitness trainers drove me to pursue my passion, educate myself and turn it into a career.
What makes you different from your competitors?
I am very passionate about what I teach and I feel my clients feel the positive energy when they come to my class. I tend to introduce new techniques and keep myself updated in the fitness world. I am very committed to giving my clients the very best! Studio X offers such a variety of fitness classes and I think that’s what sets us apart from other gyms.
How has the Pakistani fitness industry changed over the past years?
It has evolved immensely!Individuals are more aware of the benefits of staying fit and healthy. We are seeing more gyms coming up, restaurants with healthy options, bakeries with multigrain bread, juice bars, ready-made salads and much more. Even at corporate levels, fitness is considered one of the most important variables for the performance of individuals at work.
The Superwoman Syndrome is the desire to do everything perfectly, without any time to you. What do you have to say about that?
It’s easy to say that you don’t fall into that category but honestly every woman wants to do everything herself and do it perfectly. On the other hand, perfection can be boring and extremely stressful. Every woman needs time to herself. I always take some ‘me time,’ if not daily then on weekends. This can include a massage, blow dry, pedicure, reading a book before I sleep, a hot bath or a five-minute meditation.
What’s the best way to deal with failure?
The best way to deal with failure is to be patient. Patience is a virtue and I strongly believe that any failure we encounter is a great tool to grow wisely and achieve whatever we want. Every failure in life is a lesson to learn from and move forward.
Any advice for aspiring female fitness trainers?
The best advice I always give it to my trainers is to be consistent, professional, honest, dedicated and remain passionate in what they are doing. Anything they feel reflects on the class they teach. Most of all always smile!
Jeannette Faruque
Personal trainer/ Entreprenuer
Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, September 28th, 2014.
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