Zumba and Bolly Dazz your way to fitness

Q How did you become a dance instructor?

A Before being enlisted in national service, I was doing various forms of dancing in school. This included hip hop and modern dance.

I stopped dancing for a while due to the lack of time. My passion was re-ignited when I attended my first and only Zumba class here at the end of 2012, where I was inspired by the woman instructor.

In 2013, I went to different parts of the United States to be trained in Zumba, tagging it to my three- week-long vacation.

I wanted to challenge myself and learn different styles of dancing.

I am also certified by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (in Singapore) to teach piloxing (an interval training programme that combines the elements of boxing, standing pilates and dance) and Bolly Dazz (a Bollywood-inspired dance fitness programme).

I am currently teaching all three types of dance classes.

Q How has your exercise regimen changed over the years?

A When I was 18, running was the only thing I did, until I enrolled for personal training sessions. I went for several fitness workshops and discovered more about fitness.

My workouts began to broaden from just running to strength training, resistance training and others. I was keen to try new things.

Q Has there ever been a time when you were not fit and fab?

A I was overweight when I was 13 till I was about 17 years old. I tipped the scales at 125kg at one point.

I started doing physical exercises seriously only when I turned 18. I ran daily, frequented the gym and became more selective about my food intake. It took me three years to lose the excess weight.

Q What is your diet like?

A I've tried different types of diets, from paleo to vegetarian to Atkins.

I've come to realise that the best food comforts the body and makes you feel healthy and happy.

I do not restrict myself in my diet and make sure I'm never hungry or dehydrated. I try to have meat and vegetables at every meal.

Breakfast is my most important meal, which may include eggs, avocado, grilled chicken and vegetables.

Q What are your indulgences?

A I cannot live without dark chocolates. I'll eat them as often as I crave for them. On days when I teach at ActiveSG sports centres across Singapore, I need something to munch on while going from one place to another, so I'll always have a small box of dark chocolates in my bag.

Q Would you go for plastic surgery?

A I do not intend to because I have never had a serious body image issue with myself.

Q Do you think you are sexy?

A If I say no, it means I have no confidence in myself, so... a resounding yes! Haha.

Q What are your favourite and least favourite parts of your body?

A My eyes are my best feature. I've never hated any part of my body. But I wish I had smaller ears so that they do not stick out too much when I'm wearing a cap.

Q What is the most extreme thing you have done in the name of fitness or diet?

A At 18, I went on a one-meal-a-day diet where breakfast was the only meal I had and it was salad.

That was before I learnt the importance of having a balanced diet. Now I know moderation is key.

Bio Box

FAIZ AMAN

AGE: 29

HEIGHT: 1.76m

WEIGHT: 72kg

Mr Faiz is a certified group fitness instructor.

The bachelor set up his own fitness company, 120 Fitness, last September. He conducts Zumba Fitness, Piloxing and Bolly Dazz classes at various ActiveSG sports centres and walk-in studios, and for various companies.

On Saturday, he will be one of nine instructors leading the Zumba Fitness mass dance component of Retro Fever, a retro-themed party with cardio-dance workouts and dance performances.

The event is organised by Gardens by the Bay.

It will be held at Gardens by the Bay Supertree Grove from 7pm to 10pm. Admission is free.

This article was first published on Jun 21, 2016.
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