We were lucky to catch up with Yara Ali recently and have shared our conversation below.
Yara, before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
As an Egyptian who now calls Florida home, my journey in the fitness industry began alongside my pursuit of higher education. I embarked on the path of becoming a Pilates and group exercise instructor, driven by the desire to establish a name for myself and build my own brand. Being back with Orlando Voyager for this interview brings back memories of my first interview with them in 2022, and I’m thrilled to dive deeper into the lessons I’ve learned over the years in the field of fitness.
But before we dive into the present, let’s rewind to where it all started. Around nine years ago, at the age of 14, I came across a YouTube video showcasing a woman’s transformative lifestyle changes that led to weight loss. At that time, I had no interest in fitness or weight loss, as I was content with how I looked and felt. However, something sparked within me, and I began gradually incorporating some of the lifestyle changes mentioned in the video into my daily routine.
With time, my curiosity about sports and at-home workouts grew. For two years, I followed a monotonous routine of walking on a treadmill for 45 minutes, followed by a 10-minute abs workout. I repeated this same regimen every single day. Looking back, I now realize that it wasn’t the most optimal approach for my body, but I didn’t know any better at the time. I remember going out with friends on weekends, always aware that once I returned home, I had to hop on the treadmill to maintain my progress and avoid gaining weight. I would constantly ask my parents if I had gained weight or if I looked good. Everyone around me could see my obsession, except for me. What began as an experiment had spiraled into something I couldn’t control, yet it ultimately led me to discover my purpose.
In my third year of this fitness journey, I stumbled upon online Pilates classes, and I instantly fell in love with the versatile techniques and the profound philosophy of Joseph Pilates. His words resonate deeply with me: “Pilates develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit.” I wholeheartedly agree with this quote because I have witnessed its truth in my clients’ lives.
I have worked with clients suffering from severe lumbar spine pain and instability, and through the magical practice of Pilates, we were able to alleviate their discomfort and enhance their stability. Nothing brings me more pride than when a client approaches me to express how comfortable they feel in their own body after years of discomfort. There was even a remarkable moment when a client, for the first time in 20 years, was able to balance on one foot without assistance from the wall while performing movements. These experiences fuel my passion and reinforce my commitment to helping others.
What sets me apart is my unwavering dedication to transforming your mindset about health and fitness. I don’t aim to train you solely for the sake of a bikini season or temporary satisfaction. My purpose is to guide you towards a profound shift in your perspective, embracing the notion that long-term well-being is the ultimate goal. Together, we will embark on a journey to enhance your health span, allowing you to live a vibrant and fulfilling life, free from the limitations of chronic diseases and fleeting fitness goals.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
Aligning my morals to my practice and staying true to myself is a cornerstone of my success in this field. It’s no secret that becoming a proficient instructor requires countless hours of taking classes, experimenting with teaching styles, and crafting unique sequences. Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to have mentors and individuals who have greatly influenced my fitness career. Acknowledging their contributions and giving them the credit they deserve is something I hold dear.
In the realm of instruction, innovation is key. It involves taking existing knowledge, refining it, and adding your personal touch to create something unique. Unfortunately, there are instances where individuals are taken advantage of and their work is not respected or credited. It is crucial to acknowledge and address this issue. I am committed to upholding the philosophy of giving credit where it is due in all my teaching endeavors.
There have been occasions when fellow instructors approached me, expressing their interest in incorporating some of my sequences into their classes. I welcomed their request with open arms and was deeply touched by their admiration for my practice. They honored the time and effort I invested in developing those routines and openly acknowledged my contribution when sharing it with others.
Conversely, there were instances where individuals adopted aspects of my teaching style without providing the appropriate credit. In such situations, I chose to stay true to my morals and remained silent. I firmly believe that those who merely imitate without originality or respect for others will eventually reveal their true nature. I continue to focus on my own growth, constantly creating and innovating, while they persist in imitating long after my originality has become evident.
Remaining true to yourself and your morals is vital. It is a compass that guides you in defining who you are as an individual and as an instructor. By holding onto these principles, you gain a sense of authenticity that allows you to navigate the challenges of the fitness industry with integrity and grace. Upholding my values not only defines my success but also ensures that I continue to evolve and contribute meaningfully to the field.
In the end, my goal is to create a community that thrives on love, support, and understanding. A place where individuals feel empowered and inspired to embark on their own health and fitness journeys. Through alignment with my morals, I aspire to foster an environment that encourages collaboration, respect, and recognition of the collective expertise that exists within our fitness community.
However, success isn’t solely measured by external factors. It also involves taking care of oneself. Just as I am dedicated to supporting my clients, I make it a priority to be there for myself, nurturing my physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being. This commitment to self-care ensures that I am at my best, able to give my all to my clients and community.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The path of an instructor, especially when starting out or teaching in a new place, often includes facing the challenge of low attendance in classes. It’s a topic that is rarely discussed, yet it’s something many of us experience. I, too, have encountered numerous instances where I eagerly walked into a studio, ready to teach, only to find an empty room. It can be disheartening, but what sets successful instructors apart is their unwavering commitment to themselves and their craft.
I vividly recall the day when my dedication paid off. A single person walked into my class, and the excitement I felt was immeasurable. I poured my heart and soul into that session, extending it beyond the scheduled time. It was a significant milestone for me, a reminder that perseverance and showing up for oneself can lead to meaningful breakthroughs.
It’s easy to fall into the misconception that starting out as an instructor means having a large group of 30 or more participants in every class. I once held that belief myself. However, the reality is that such numbers are often seen when group exercise classes are included in a client’s package, and they aren’t specifically paying for your class. It can also take time to establish a reputation and build a dedicated following. Nevertheless, the number of attendees should never be the sole measure of your worth as an instructor.
In fact, some of the most memorable classes I have attended were taught by instructors with less than five participants. Despite the small numbers, these instructors created an intimate and personalized experience that resonated deeply. On the other hand, I’ve been in classes with more than 20 people where the instructor seemed inexperienced and unable to provide adequate attention to each individual. Balancing the dynamics of a large group while ensuring a personal and meaningful experience for every client is undoubtedly challenging.
Once we understand that class attendance doesn’t define our value as instructors, we can focus on nurturing our clientele. Building personal and meaningful connections is paramount. By leaving a lasting positive impact on each client, they will eagerly anticipate their next class with you, seeking that unique connection. Embrace the blessing of starting with small groups or even just one client. Remember, all it takes is one person to ignite the spark.
Take the time to truly get to know your clients. Listen attentively to their needs, concerns, and past experiences with other instructors. Identify what sets you apart and how you can address their unique requirements. Understanding their values and motivations will help you create an advantage in your classes. Additionally, consider how you can reshape their perspectives on certain aspects, offering them a transformative experience. As you forge authentic connections, organically, they will become your advocates, recommending your classes to their friends and family. Gradually, your group will grow from one to six, seven, eight, and even nine individuals.
Remember, it’s crucial to consistently show up for yourself and put yourself out there. Your first client won’t find you unless you take the initiative to showcase your expertise. Quality always triumphs over quantity. It’s better to have one loyal and committed client who consistently attends your classes than a group of five who show up ocassionally. Focus on building those personal and meaningful connections that align with your values as an instructor.
Lastly, never forget that clients who genuinely value you and your teaching approach will never miss an opportunity to join your classes. Invest time in getting to know yourself and your teaching style. Develop a deep understanding of your strengths and unique attributes. By embracing authenticity and staying true to yourself, you will naturally attract clients who resonate with your method and philosophy.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: yaraa.alii