#KYDRASQUAD SPOTLIGHT: KAMESH WARAN – FITNESS BEYOND THE STUDIO
There’s one person that sets Singapore’s spinning circuit apart from the rest - and he goes by the name Kamesh Waran!
For members of our #KYDRASquad that are immersed in the local workout scene, Kamesh needs no introduction. He’s most well-known for being the Head Coach of Popsicle, Singapore’s premier spin cycling class, and Sugar Boxing, a group boxing class also run by Active Fitness SG! Kamesh transformed the future of the fitness industry in the country. This week, we spoke to Kamesh about the progression of his fitness journey, how he strikes a balance between fitness and fun, and of course, his overall life advice for our #KYDRASquad!
KAMESH’S FITNESS JOURNEY: BEGINNINGS, ROADBLOCKS, AND SUCCESS
Surprisingly, Kamesh had no plans to work in the fitness industry, much less as a motivational coach! He says he stumbled onto a fitness career and was driven by his love of the fitness community.
Q. Your fitness journey is very inspiring. Can you tell us how you got started?
KAMESH: I hear this a lot, but I don’t find the way I got started particularly memorable! I just woke up one day, looked at myself in the mirror, and decided it was time to change for the better.
My time serving in civil defence helped spark this realisation because I met so many people with the same goals I had. If anything, it was here that I realised the importance of a supportive community in the fitness space! I bring that same energy and motivation to my classes today.
Unlike other instructors, Kamesh has never shied away from speaking his truth and exposing aspects of the fitness industry that he felt were problematic.
Q. You often speak out about several issues in the fitness industry. Can you share more about why they are important to you?
KAMESH: I take every trend and shift in the fitness industry personally because this is my livelihood! I have to ensure that rapid commercialisation does not affect the industry. Sadly, certain things are beyond my control, but the one thing I have complete control of is my voice and my platform.
I use my platform to speak out about issues within the industry and advocate for change. One issue I noticed was that studios were shortening training programs for incoming coaches to recruit more coaches and increase their class count. While this tactic might earn money, it might be problematic to clients and the industry if a coach hasn't been appropriately trained.
It is precisely this honesty and sincerity that led to Kamesh finding success! We asked him more about his rise to fitness fame and his future ambitions.
Q. You’re the head coach of your studios and were voted Instructor of the Year on ClassPass. How do you feel about these accomplishments, and how do you see yourself moving forward?
KAMESH: I am honoured to be named Instructor of the Year, but with or without the title, it has not changed the standard of my classes, my perceptions of the industry, or my goals for the studio and myself The biggest reward you can get for coaching is the change you bring to your clients' lives. Cliché or not - that is the truth. Moving forward, our team hopes to continue improving the group fitness industry. We are also looking at shaking things up in 2023 with Popsicle and Sugar, and I couldn’t be more excited!
KAMESH'S ADVICE: REST, RELAXATION. AND MOTIVATION!
All the best coaches know that your rest days are some of your best days. We asked Kamesh how he stays relaxed with such a demanding job.
Q. How do you find time to relax while also being motivated
KAMESH: I like taking long walks to relax my mind and organise my thoughts. Walking is such an underrated cardio workout. I’ve recently also made it a habit to do yoga, so that has been another way I stay relaxed. But we know that online fitness gurus make it look too easy to work out regularly. In reality, the truth is that it can be an everyday battle to stay fit - especially when you’re juggling multiple roles at home and work.
Q. Do you have any advice for those struggling to keep active
KAMESH: Small steps, long-term vision! Understand why you are staying active and remind yourself that it takes time. Fitness is not about the destination, it’s about the journey.
Fitness Is In The Feeling
Kamesh left us with some wise words: Fitness doesn’t always involve how you look; it deals with how you feel - and how you’re going to feel in the future.
The key to staying motivated throughout your fitness journey is never to lose sight of your focus and be proud of every small step you take in the right direction!
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