Meet Desmond

He’s a BODYCOMBAT Trainer who’d also found a passion for teaching BORN TO MOVE. Read his story from Martial Arts in Penang to the Les Mills Trainer team in Dubai.

Tell us about your career in fitness so far

In high school I practiced Martial Arts and competed in Karate Kumite and Kata tournaments in Penang, Malaysia. Over the years my passion for fitness continued to grow.

Initially I spent a lot of time on the gym floor focussing on building muscle. Then I discovered BODYCOMBAT™ and it reminded me of my younger years so I gave it a go and instantly fell in love with it.

In 2014 I moved to Dubai as I wanted to share my love for fitness in a bigger city. Joining the Les Mills Middle East Trainer team has been a real highlight.

More recently I discovered LES MILLS BORN TO MOVE ™. It has been so much fun to teach a class that allows you to find the kid inside yourself and inspire young people to get moving.

I also teach BODYBALANCE ™, BODYPUMP™, and LES MILLS GRIT™.

If you weren’t a fitness Instructor, you would be…

I’d be managing my family’s jewellery business back at home.

What’s your ideal day off?

I like to spend time with friends and family. Since I’m away from home, friends have become my family.

What do you love about being a Les Mills Instructor?

The musical connection enables me and others to express themselves despite of culture, language and any other differences.

Running Initial Module Training and Quarterly Workshops is great. I particularly like education sessions (where we share the latest research and technique). The more I do it, the more I love to teach.

If you want to hear more from Desmond follow him on Instagram @wkwdesmond.