Staff Spotlight : Nick El-Hajje
Meet Nick, C-Life’s newest Personal Trainer! You’ve probably seen him around Canterbury in his former role in Food & Beverage and is a regular at the gym. Nick specialises in weight loss management, strength training and nutritional programming.
Fun fact : Nick is a qualified chef and started in the kitchen at Canterbury before moving onto an F&B role and now as a personal trainer in C-Life.
Tell us about your role at C-life and what is your favourite part of your job?
My role at C-Life as a Personal Trainer is to work with clients, run group classes, monitor the gym floor and tidy up weights as well as cleaning and the maintenance of equipment.
I am extremely passionate about helping others achieve their fitness goals. My aim is to motivate members of our gym community to be the best they can be.
My favorite part of my job is seeing clients and the community of our gym working hard to smash and achieve their goals!
How did you get into the health and fitness industry?
After losing 25kg I developed a greater understanding of the benefits of being fit and healthy. Losing weight showed me that if you set your mind to something you can accomplish anything!
What motivates you to be fit?
The main thing that motivates me to stay fit is the energy and endless benefits that come from exercise. I also stay motivated by setting goals and accomplishing day-to-day activities whilst maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
What advice can you give to people who are just starting their fitness journey?
Don’t rush anything, everything comes in good timing. Appreciate the small stepping stones which builds the foundation of your overall fitness journey.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to fail, as the great Arnold Schwarzenegger said;
“Don’t be afraid to fail. Anything that I’ve ever attempted I was always willing to fail. You can’t always win, but don’t be afraid of making decisions.”
What’s your favourite machine/classes/exercise?
My favourite machine/exercise has to be standing and seated calf raises as you reach a full stretch and range of motion, improving overall strength and size within the calf muscles.
My favourite classes and one which I absolutely love organizing and running are H.I.I.T (High Intensity Interval Training). H.I.I.T is a fast-paced pumping workout routine that involves various explosive exercises performed within short periods burning calories.
What’s your personal best/record?
130Kg on Back Squats and a 100Kg on Bench Press and running 5km within 20 minutes, setting off the Nike app running challenge!
How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
If I’m not training clients or working at the gym, I’ll be working out at the gym!
When I’m at home, I like to manage my schedule with meal preparation, researching fitness and health whilst writing up training programs for my clients.
What’s your favourite cheat meal?
Sushi!! If it was 0 calories, I’d be eating it every day!
You were a chef before, what meals do you like to cook/meal prep for the gym?
I meal prep day-to-day for the gym which consists of pastas, stir-fry’s, salads, bakes and everything you can imagine (as long as I’m in a calorie deficit).
As an internationally qualified chef, I love to inspire others with my cooking and cater for my friends and family. My favourite cuisine to cook is Italian and everything Mediterranean!
Is there any bodybuilder that you look up to?
Arnold Schwarzenegger! He is the most influential and inspirational icon to this day.
Arnold’s motivational quotes and speeches has helped me throughout my life, especially my fitness journey.
Some favourite rules in which I live by from Arnold include:
- TRUST YOURSELF
- BREAK SOME RULES
- DON’T BE AFRAID TO FAIL
- IGNORE THE NAYSAYERS
- WORK LIKE HELL
- GIVE SOMETHING BACK
