New Year, New You: An Exclusive Interview With Aamir Ishtiaque

As the New Year approaches, many of us are eager to set and achieve new fitness goals. But what if this year, instead of merely wishing for change, you could actually make it happen? To help you kickstart your fitness journey, we sat down with Aamir Ishtiaque, the founder of Aamir Fitness, a renowned online personal trainer and fitness coach. With over a decade of experience and a track record of transforming over 1,000 clients worldwide through his online personal training service, Aamir shares his insights on how to set and achieve New Year’s fitness goals effectively.

 

Understanding Your Why

 

When it comes to setting New Year’s fitness goals, understanding your motivation is crucial. Aamir emphasised the importance of identifying your ‘why’: 

“Your ‘why’ is the driving force behind your goals. It’s what keeps you motivated and focused, even when the journey gets tough.  At Aamir Fitness, I help clients discover their deeper motivations to stay committed. For example, one client, Colleen, found that her journey was about more than just achieving a six-pack; it was about reclaiming her self-worth.”

 

The Power of Personal Stories

 

Aamir’s own path reflects the life-changing potential of fitness. Once a “skinny teen,” he transformed into a top fitness model and personal trainer.

“My passion for health and fitness started soon after I moved to Northumbria University to study Physiotherapy,” Aamir revealed. “While I always played competitive football, due to the demanding nature of the degree, I simply could not find the time to commit. My only option was to use the University gym, which stayed open late every night”

This decision marked a turning point in Aamir’s life. “It was love at first lift,” he recalled. From there, Aamir’s journey took him from fitness modeling competitions in Belfast and London to earning his Pro Card in New York City.

This transformation inspired Aamir to pursue a career in fitness as an online personal trainer. “I realized I wanted to help others find their passion for fitness,” he explains. Over the past decade, he has guided clients aged 18 to 80 through their unique journeys

 

Personalised Approach to Fitness

 

Aamir’s approach is deeply personal and tailored to each individual through online personal training. “Your programme will be created bespoke to the goals you wish to achieve, factoring in your lifestyle, food preferences and experience,” he explained. This personalised approach ensures that each client receives a plan that complements their unique lifestyle.

Through his journey, Aamir has learned that true fitness is about more than just physical appearance. As he puts it, “Fitness means a lot of things to a lot of different people. For me, fitness is being able to carry out all my daily activities without undue fatigue”. 

 

Setting SMART Goals

 

Aamir stresses the importance of setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals as you enter the New Year.

Here’s how he approaches goal setting:

“Instead of setting vague goals like ‘I want to lose weight,’ break it down into specific, measurable objectives. For example, ‘I will lose 1 pound per week for the next 20 weeks by reducing my daily calorie intake by 300 calories and increasing my physical activity to 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day. This makes the goal more achievable and allows you to track your progress effectively.”

 

Breaking Down Big Goals into Smaller Ones

 

New Year’s resolution goals can feel overwhelming, so it’s essential to break them down into smaller, manageable tasks. Aamir’s online fitness coaching addresses obstacles like gym anxiety, busy schedules, or waning motivation.

Here’s how Aamir suggests doing this: “Take your long-term goal and break it down into weekly or even daily tasks. For instance, if your goal is to run a marathon, your weekly goal might be to increase your running distance by 10% each week. This approach makes the goal  more achievable.”

 

Customised Workouts and Nutrition Plans

 

Aamir Fitness is known for its personalised approach to fitness. Here’s what Aamir had to say about creating customised workout and nutrition plans:

Therefore, at Aamir Fitness, every client receives personalised workout plans and nutrition guidance tailored to their unique needs through online personal training. “Every journey is different,” Aamir explains. “We ensure clients follow plans designed for quick and sustainable results.”

 

The Importance of Nutrition

 

Nutrition plays a vital role in any fitness journey.  Aamir emphasised the importance of a well-planned diet:

“Nutrition is 80% of the game. Without a proper meal plan, you can’t achieve your fitness goals no matter how hard you work out. At Aamir Fitness, we provide personalised meal plans that are tailored to each client’s dietary needs and preferences. We focus on sustainable eating habits rather than quick fixes or fad diets.”

 

Mindset Support and Accountability

 

A successful New Year’s fitness journey also requires mindset support and accountability.

“Mindset is everything. By nurturing a mindset that supports your well-being and success, you can unlock your full potential and achieve lasting transformation. Regular check-ins help keep clients motivated and accountable, to give you all the support you need to stay on track.”

 

Overcoming Gym Anxiety

 

If stepping into a traditional busy gym feels intimidating as you start fresh in the New Year, Aamir’s online coaching provides a comfortable environment: 

“Starting on a fitness journey can be intimidating, especially for those who are new to the gym. Our virtual coaching sessions help you build gym confidence from the comfort of your own space. We design custom workout plans tailored to your goals and fitness level, ensuring you feel empowered and motivated throughout your journey.”

 

Success Stories and Testimonials

 

Aamir Fitness has endless success stories that highlight the effectiveness of their approach. Here’s what some of his clients have to say:

“Aamir makes it easy to improve your physical and mental strength alongside the day-to-day demands of running a successful business,” says Colleen. Another client, Tim McCrory, adds, “Learning how to control my emotional state has been the single most important tool I have picked up since working with Aamir.”

 

Staying Motivated

 

Maintaining motivation can be challenging as you pursue your New Year’s goals. Here are some tips from Aamir on how to stay motivated:

  • Celebrate Small Wins: Celebrate each small victory along the way. This helps to build momentum and reinforces positive behaviors.
  • Find Activities You Enjoy: Engage in physical activities that you genuinely enjoy. This makes it more likely that you will stick to your routine.
  • Reward Yourself: Set up a reward system where you treat yourself to something special when you reach certain milestones.

 

Common Obstacles and How to Overcome Them

 

Every fitness journey comes with its set of challenges. Here’s how Aamir suggests overcoming common obstacles:

  • Injury or Illness: If you encounter an injury or illness, don’t give up. Modify your workout plan to accommodate your current condition and focus on recovery.
  • Lack of Motivation: Identify what motivates you and use it as a driving force. Whether it’s a workout partner, a favorite playlist, or new gym clothes, use it to keep yourself going.
  • Busy Schedule: Find ways to incorporate physical activity into your busy schedule. Even a short 10-minute workout can be beneficial.

 

The Importance of Tracking Progress

 

Tracking your progress is essential for staying motivated and making adjustments as needed. Here’s how Aamir suggests tracking progress:

  • Fitness Journal: Use a fitness journal to log your workouts, weight, measurements, and any other relevant metrics.
  • Mobile Apps: Utilize mobile apps like MyFitnessPal, Strava, or Fitbit to track your progress and receive reminders and motivation.
  • Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular check-ins with yourself or your support system to review progress and make necessary adjustments.

 

Building Lifelong Habits

 

Rather than focusing on quick fixes, Aamir Fitness emphasises building lifelong habits. Here’s how Aamir approaches this:

“Fitness is not just about reaching a specific goal; it’s about building habits that you can sustain for the rest of your life. At Aamir Fitness, we focus on creating a lifestyle change rather than a temporary fix. We help our clients integrate fitness and nutrition into their daily lives in a way that is enjoyable and sustainable.”

 

Starting Your Journey This New Year

 

If you’re ready to start on your fitness journey in 2025, Aamir Fitness offers comprehensive support through online personal training to help you achieve your goals. Here’s how you can get started:

“Book your free 30-minute coaching call!  I’ll discuss how we can assist you in achieving your unique goals,” says Aamir.

 

Start Your Journey Today

 

Setting and achieving New Year’s fitness goals requires a combination of the right mindset, effective strategies, and support. Aamir Fitness offers a personalised, flexible, and supportive approach that can help you achieve your fitness goals and transform your life.

As Aamir put it, “If you are committed, you WILL reach your goal. My passion is your success, and I am here to guide you every step of the way.”

Furthermore, if you’re ready to transform your life and achieve your fitness goals, start your journey with Aamir Fitness today. With his programs, flexible training options, and ongoing support, you’ll be well on your way to a healthier, fitter you.

Contact Aamir Fitness to learn more about our services and to schedule a consultation.

Follow him on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, where he regularly updates his community with the latest fitness trends, nutrition advice, and mental well-being strategies.

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