This week we go behind the scenes with Aya Qadi as she opens up about combining her love of tech and fitness to create accessible workouts that people can participate in from home. In this uplifting interview she discusses: finding the importance in consistency rather than motivation, the importance of walking 10 minutes a day, and we get an insight into her new workout programme, set in Copperdollar Studios.
When did you become a fitness instructor?
Health and fitness has been a big part of my life since 2015 but I never pursued it as a profession as I enjoy my work in tech project management. When the gyms closed and people started working from home it seemed like the perfect time to combine these two passions and launch an online platform that provides high quality training support, that is available to everyone.
It is so important to me that all information and workouts listed are as effective and as safe as possible, that is why in 2020 I enrolled in an extensive fitness instructor and personal training course and joined forces with some fantastic coaches to make it happen.
“I have only had great experiences at Copperdollar studios. The team are friendly and the online booking system is easy to navigate. It is the number one studio I would recommend in Sussex.”
What inspired you to create your workout programme?
I know how vital regular movement and exercise is in maintaining both our physical and mental health, and in just feeling good overall. That is what inspired me, I want to enable people to look after themselves and feel good, especially this year. Creating this platform was my way of doing that.
Stigma is one of the main barriers that prevents people with mental health issues from seeking help. While movement helps us feel better, I believe it should be combined with better conversation and proactively educating ourselves and the people around us to make a real difference.
Can you tell us a little bit about the Week Workout Programme Videos at Copperdollar Studios?
Sure, the programme consists of 20 full length workout videos, each one is around 30 minutes long. It is designed to be completed 5 videos per week, over the duration of a month. Each week is broken into a full body strength session, lower body, upper body, HIIT and a guest coach take over to keep things interesting! Visit the workout programme on Youtube here.
“I don’t think we can rely on motivation alone to build or maintain a healthy lifestyle. It takes consistency, and no one is consistently motivated. Instead, my advice would be to find something you enjoy and have a plan.”
Did you have a good experience in the studio?
I have only had great experiences at Copperdollar studios. The team are friendly and the online booking system is easy to navigate. It is the number one studio I would recommend in Sussex.
Thank you, we love to hear it! Why did the space suit this particular shoot you were doing?
There is a lot of movement during shoot days so I needed an open space with high ceilings and also wanted somewhere with a bit of character. The rustic aesthetic and exposed brick wall were perfect for this and looked great on film. I also benefited from the blackout windows to keep the lighting consistent across different days.
What advice do you have for people to continue to be motivated?
I don’t think we can rely on motivation alone to build or maintain a healthy lifestyle. It takes consistency, and no one is consistently motivated. Instead, my advice would be to find something you enjoy and have a plan. In your plan try to set SMART goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely. In my opinion this is the most effective and rewarding way to build healthy habits that people are more likely to stick to.
What have you learnt in the past year?
I have learnt the importance of looking after our mental health and the importance of tackling the stigma around it. Stigma is one of the main barriers that prevents people with mental health issues from seeking help. While movement helps us feel better, I believe it should be combined with better conversation and proactively educating ourselves and the people around us to make a real difference.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part is definitely connecting with people and knowing that I have played a small part in their journey, whether that be a one-off workout or the entire programme. Receiving messages and feedback from people across 15 countries was a beautiful reminder of how connected we are and how we can support each other globally.
What are you excited for in the future?
I have organised a small group hike from Seaford Head to Eastbourne Pier to take place during Mental Health Awareness Week which, 10th-16th May, which I am really looking forward to. We will be walking the most majestic 14-mile stretch across The Seven Sisters. The route should take 6 to 7 hours to complete.
If you don’t have 7 hours to spare, not to worry! Multiple studies have shown that brisk walking for as little as 10 minutes a day increases our mental alertness, energy and positive mood so I hope after reading this you go for a short walk, or jump onto YouTube and do one of my workouts.
Thank you so much Aya! So check out her workout series, Instagram, Facebook or Website and if you want to go on the mental health walk be sure to email/message!
We love to have people from all kinds of professional backgrounds in our studios. If you’d like to hire the space for your project, email us at info@copperdollarstudios.co.uk
Our booking system is currently open. As always, if you have any questions please get in touch.
