Abu Dhabi-based fitness trainer inspiring Emirati women on Instagram

New Zealand native Tarryn Hoffman has created an inspirational online fitness community for her Emirati clients.

Tarryn Hoffman uses Instagram, under the handle @healthyhoffy, to showcase new exercise routines and images of herself. Courtesy Tarryn Hoffman

ABU DHABI // While most of us use Instagram to share pictures of our holidays, cars, pets, and even our dinner choices with friends, an Abu Dhabi-based fitness trainer is using the photo-sharing app to inspire thousands of people to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Instead of photos of glamorous nights out or indulgent desserts, Tarryn Hoffman posts videos showing new exercise routines and images of herself. Not only does she post ideas for new exercises, she also passes on suggestions for healthy meals.

“Instagram is playing a positive role in encouraging locals to get active,” said the 26-year-old from New Zealand who has 17,000 followers on the social-media platform.

“It’s inspiring people. My clients will tag me in exercise videos all day long and say they want to do certain things they see in their own training.”

Smartphones have become such an important part of people’s lives, particularly her Emirati clients, it made sense to reach out via their favourite gadget, Ms Hoffman said.

“They’re on their phones a lot, at home, while they’re out. It’s in fashion to work out, right down to the clothing. It’s a great attitude that it’s cool to be working out and great that people want to post pictures on Instagram, regardless of whether it’s their session or something they’ve been working out with, like a kettlebell.”

Hamda Al Fahim, a 28-year-old Emirati, encouraged Ms Hoffman to join Instagram 13 months ago and said the photos and videos the trainer posts are a great source of inspiration.

“Once anyone posts a picture of themselves looking good, working out and eating healthy, people tend to copy them and feel motivated to change their lifestyle. I get inspired by new workouts posted by fitness accounts. I have also started being more health conscious with what goes into my meals.

“Nearly everyone has access to Instagram, is connected to wifi or has data most of the day and constantly check their phones for updates. Instagram has made it easier and faster to access all sorts of accounts to do with fitness and health.”

Moza Al Dhahiery, 27, agrees Ms Hoffman’s posts have been influential and encouragedher “to stay more fit and active”.

“I’m more aware now as accounts such as Tarryn’s are educational as well as inspiring. I started working out years before I had an account, but to be honest I think after having the account I became more active and inspired in so many ways about fitness and lifestyle.”

On days she does not feel like hitting the gym, posts on Instagram help to give her the extra push. “I love seeing what Tarryn posts in the morning and know that maybe I’ll be doing something similar in the evening.”

Ms Al Dhahiery said a growing number of Emiratis were choosing to change their lifestyles for the better after seeing the benefits in pictures and posts delivered to their smartphones. It “comes from the people they are following”, she said.

Lamis Harib is also helping to lead her community to a healthier lifestyle through the use of social media. The Emirati has almost 1,500 followers on her account @paleoindubai, which posts images based on the paleo diet, which rejects processed foods, grains and dairy products.

“I personally find Instagram very motivating,” said the 28-year-old, who set up her account, after returning from studying in New York, to help keep track of her healthy eating regime.

“In a way it gives you a support group without the group meetings. The popularity among Emiratis has made health and wellness very accessible from those who take it seriously to those who are often not surrounded by enough support or examples to emulate.”

It took some adjusting to get back into a routine of healthy eating after returning to Dubai, Ms Harib said. “I had my groove in NYC with my new lifestyle. Moving back to Dubai sort of threw me off as I had to get used to finding my new favourite shopping spots and places to eat.

“The account became an information hub about these things now, and I do help others with grocery finds and review my favourite picks from restaurants.”