Presenter
Michael Abdallah explains how he is challenging the old attitudes to health, fitness and weight-loss and has now redefined the self-help book.
His approach to health and wellbeing is by teaching others how to be the best and strongest version of themselves – not just for the period of a six or twelve week challenge, but for life.
Body By Michael uses his ‘Six Pillars’ philosophy to help improve general health and wellbeing being Movement, Nutrition, Breathing, Hydration, Sleep and Mindfulness. Michael explains to Edwina “It’s really about balance. The intention is to change the internal narrative away from being about working out for hours at a time and eating less, to being about your physical, mental and emotional health.”
Diagnosed with chronic arthritis in his twenties, Michael was determined to find a more holistic approach to dealing with the condition than the recommended invasive surgery. Now his aim is to empower people with the knowledge he’s gained in that process, and to educate them in never having to follow unrealistic fad diets, concepts or challenges that can’t be sustained. “When you can track your records and work out what works for you and what doesn’t, there’s a sense of empowerment and you hold yourself a little differently and you feel proud of yourself” he points out.
While Michael’s methods include simple advice such as the ‘No-Workout Workout’, he’s definitely not just another personal trainer. Drawing on 20 years of study and experience, his 21 lifestyle principals can easily be incorporated into daily life. His advice includes free content on the Body By Michael social media platforms, the app and website, and now in the latest of his e-books, Closing The Gap. He explains “We flip the self-help model on its head. We teach you the ‘whats’ and the ‘whys’ so that the ‘hows’ gets easier” he adds “I’m not talking about how strong you are and how many push-ups you can do. I’m talking about how functional you are, how mobile you are”.
With his knees now being the strongest they’ve ever been, Michael is his own best walking advertisement.
