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.