Carlos Bursali’s Guide to Accomplishing the Impossible

With Bruce Lee taking the audience by storm by flipping high up in the air like a vicious tornado, to Keanu Reeves fighting multiple guys at the same time and then there is the king of pop himself, Michael Jackson making the concert goers go wild by ending his dance routine with the well-known gravity defying “lean”. Sit back, relax and think about the number of times you’ve seen somebody perform a complicated yet artistic routine, and you find yourself muttering this magical phrase “Wow. I can definitely do that”! Of-course it is possible to attempt the impossible. But it can’t happen within a night’s time, unless you are willing to go the extra mile in shedding out those blood, sweat and tears of yours.

Fitness is an art. A discipline in the form of food, that cherishes your mind, body and soul. It is also an opportunity that you not only look forward to everyday, but an opportunity in the form of progress that keeps you going until you’ve achieved your desired benchmark. So, what is that big question mark that is holding you back? Living in Dubai which has been a special place for him, meet Carlos Bursali, a 35-year-old gym and calisthenics trainer who is here to stay and who is here to ensure that you attempt the impossible. Be sure to head on to the Calisthenics Park at skydive, so that your adventure towards attempting the impossible with him can get started!

What’s your fitness speciality? How long have you been a trainer?
Carlos: My relationship with movement started 14 years ago as a break dancer along with gym workouts, until 2018 when I started experimenting with adding more rhythm to my workout when calisthenics started to take over my life and discipline. Calisthenics is a form of strength training which is often performed as bodyweight exercises, rhythmically and with minimal equipment and is intended to increase strength, fitness, and flexibility, through movements. I have been a calisthenics trainer for 3 years but also a gym trainer for 12. In the past year, I have been working on designing a new style of workout which I like to refer to as ‘Combo Workout’ which targets precision, flexibility, and endurance in one full-body workout.

What made you determined in pursuing a career in fitness?
Carlos: Simply my passion towards it. It makes me feel alive.

What is your personal training philosophy?
Carlos: It’s crucial for me to build a bond and a connection with the client in the beginning to create a positive relationship based on reinforcement and rewarding to every single target they achieve no matter how small. New clients usually come in with a lot of anxiety and impatience. It’s important for me to let them feel safe and calm, and train them to understand the process of achieving their fitness goals.

What evaluations do you conduct with a new client who’s eager to begin a fitness regimen?
Carlos: I ask questions related to their medical history, injuries, fitness level, their diet, working hours, and a diagnostic assessment, and then plan their program accordingly.

Imagine a client is discouraged during a training session. What would your style of encouragement be?
Carlos: I make it clear that it is normal to feel discouraged and that it’s part of the process. However, with verbal reinforcement and celebrating their progress and setting realistic expectations, they usually focus on the present moment. It also helps to track and document their progress to visually see the improvement.

Can you tell me some essential workouts or exercises you suggest for all clients, and why?
Carlos: Stretching is essential as it prevents injuries along with push ups, pull ups, dips, and lunges.

Often there are situations with clients, where they set unrealistic expectations for themselves as far as weight loss is concerned. What do you tell clients who are looking for instant results?
Carlos: It’s common for clients to want to achieve their target as quickly as possible, but it’s my job to educate them on how the human body works and how everybody is different. Metabolism plays a big role, diet, lifestyle, sleep patterns, and discipline. Three months is, usually, where they start seeing results with a consistent workout and a disciplined lifestyle.

According to you, what is the biggest misconception people have about fitness?
Carlos: Great results in a short period of time. Fitness takes a lot of dedication and discipline. It’s a mental exercise more than anything.

Would you recommend dietary supplements to enhance your clients’ performance? Which ones?
Carlos: I prefer not to. I recommend a balanced diet that includes lots of protein, good fats, and natural sugar resources.