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First women fitness trainers raring to go

DUBAI - They are tough. They are fit. They are the first 10 recognised Emirati women fitness trainers in the UAE. Young and enthusiastic, the girls from Dubai Women's College (DWC) are brimming with newly channelised energy, thanks to Claire Riley, Sports and Fitness Coordinator, DWC.

Recently, 10 DWC students were presented certificates on completion of their three-month ACE personal training course. Five of the 10 girls, who took time out from their busy schedules to chat with Khaleej Times yesterday, said: "It didn't take much for us to become fit and healthy, but to train for it was the tough part." All the girls agreed that the incentive to become the first national women physical trainers was a target in itself and that is what kept them going.

Kulthoom Ali said, "I love sports and going to the gymnasium. So when I was selected to become a physical fitness trainer, I thought 'Why not?'. Besides, this course also gave me the distinction of becoming the first national woman to be recognised as a certified trainer," she added.

Claire said that the girls had trained extensively for more than 70 hours - from February to May, 2003 - and they were now ready to train and guide others. Detailing the course, she said that both internal and external lecturers taught the girls for three hours on alternative days. "The girls are committed to fitness and both theoretically and practically, they have been taught how to maintain themselves and the health of their families," she added.

Rabab Ali Al Zain, who is divided between her studies, a family life, and a career that is about to take off, says opting for this course was worth it. "Now I know what is the best and nutritious diet for my family. I also know the best fitness exercise for myself," she says.

When asked, the girls agreed that initially they faced resistance from their families. "When they realised that before teaching others, we had to gain knowledge about ourselves, they allowed us to continue," said Ayesha Khalfan.

The girls also realised that training to become physical trainers was much more than becoming a PT teacher. The new physical trainers have already started giving advice to their families and friends. "Most national women need fitness trainers because our diet is not healthy," said Khadija Al Jasmi. "We need to lose fat, not weight," adds Amira.

The girls have a bright future ahead. Already, the teachers at the college need their help, while many of them are planning to join gyms as trainers.

• UAE