My Journey to Becoming the Expat Gym Junkie

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My Journey to Becoming the Expat Gym Junkie

Early 2000s, life handed me my greatest gift — kids. Along with the joy (and sleepless nights) came the realisation that my health and fitness had taken a back seat. Like many new moms, I was juggling babies, a household, and a whole lot of “me” time that no longer existed.

But deep down, I knew I needed to change. Not just for how I looked, but for how I felt. I wanted my energy back, my confidence back, and to set an example for my children about strength — inside and out.

That’s when I took my first steps into the gym. At first, it was daunting. I was unfit, unsure, and worried I didn’t belong there. But with every session, my determination grew. Slowly, the scales shifted, my body changed, and my mindset transformed. Fitness stopped being something I “had to do” and became something I loved.


Sixteen years ago, that passion took me to the front of the class. I became a qualified Les Mills Body Combat instructor, and I haven’t looked back since. Over the years, I’ve continued to add to my fitness toolkit:

  • Gym Instructor Certification

  • Les Mills RPM

  • Les Mills Sprint 

  • Les Mills Body Pump 

  • Les Mills Pilates

  • Les Mills The Trip

  • Cyclebar Cyclestar instructor training

  • SPIVI Training


My career has taken me around the globe — from Thailand to Texas, and now Qatar — teaching and managing in some of the world’s most respected gyms, including Gold’s Gym, David Lloyds, Cyclebar, VillaSport Athletic Club & Spa, Fitness First, and M-Active Gym. I’ve led everything from high-energy indoor cycling and martial arts–inspired workouts to strength training and Pilates.

Today, I teach at various clubs in Doha including a new venure - Group Cycling Instructor for the cutting-edge SPivi 3D interactive cycling simulator, while also running group fitness classes across Qatar.

Through Expat Gym Junkie, I want to share the tips, workouts, and lessons I’ve learned over two decades — not just as an instructor, but as someone who once stood in the back of a class, hoping to feel stronger and more confident.

My mission is simple: to help you always move forward. No matter where you’re starting from, no matter where in the world you are, you can build the strength, energy, and mindset to live your best life.


ALWAYS MOVING FORWARDS

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