Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in the middle east and my family moved to Montreal when I was young. I have lived in Toronto for the last 12 years (but still consider myself a Montrealer at heart) and work in the investment industry.

What is one thing people may be surprised to learn about you?

I’m more of an introvert

How long have you been doing [Functional Fitness]? At 6S?

I first joined the classes in 2019, and have done some olympic lifting as well but have been doing PT with COACH KEV (his name is capitalized so I can imagine him yelling) for the last few months.  

Why did you start [functional fitness] training?

I wanted to increase my strength after a lifetime of avoiding lifting weights and doing mainly cardio.  

What is your favorite music to workout to?

Nothing better than loud and angry rock music for a workout.  

What is your proudest 6S moment?

In the past year, after falling out of my routine big time during the first year or so of the pandemic, I am just happy getting back to a point where I feel strong and have goals beyond just surviving a workout. Progress! 

What impact has 6S had on your life inside and outside the gym?

 I like the fact that everyone cares about your entire well-being, and not just physical health. Whether it’s diet, mobility and therapy courtesy of Mel or Emily, or Kevin getting on me to make sure I’m conscious of my goals outside of the gym as well as inside the gym, just a great group of people that care. 

For someone just starting at 6S, what advice would you give them?

I’m competitive, and it’s hard to not compare yourself to others in class and try and push yourself to keep up with them, but it’s important to go at your own pace. The progress will come.  

What’s your biggest health & fitness goal right now? How close are you?

I need to fit back into my office clothes before work from home ends, and I’m not as close as I’d like to be! 

Other than 6S, what do you do for fun?

I taught myself to play guitar a few years ago, and I generally love music and going to concerts and shows when possible. 

Who inspires you?

Maybe cliche, but my wife, Sarah. She’s the hardest working person I know and she recently signed up for PT with me, so it’s great to have her pushing me and keeping me focused on my goals as well.  

What book are you reading right now?

A friend lent me a book called “Anxious People“, early into it but the author’s writing style is unique. 

What’s the strangest talent you have?

Nothing that I can think of for this one!

What are three things still left on your bucket list?

1. Learn to surf 2. Learn the guitar solo from “Comfortably Numb” 3. Own a convertible

If you could have any one superpower, which would you choose?

I was a big superman fan as a kid so it would have to be flying. Although mind-reading would be a close second.   

You are stranded on a desert island and can only bring one item with you. What would it be and why?

A radio, or something I could listen to music on.  

Favourite Toronto restaurant and why?

Richmond Station. We’ll usually go there whenever we want to treat ourselves or celebrate something.