When you first meet the Kenyan personal trainer/fitness model, it’s not just his fervent physique that packs a punch; he also sizzles with positive confidence and a contagious smile. Danil has a natural motivational streak, the kind that coaxes you off your sofa (mid-way through Breaking Bad) and onto the assisted chin-up machine. Thankfully, the PT manages to keep his clients looking super svelte without resorting to menacing boot camp tactics: “I train people with specific goals in mind – sometimes they want super toned abs or a defined jawline. I devise exercises for every part of the body,” says Danil. This attention to detail, combined with resilient determination is what propels the athlete to win fitness competitions – he came second in this year’s Abu Dhabi Fittest Men contest. Here, the 30-year-old fitness entrepreneur, who recently set up his own venture called fittDANIL tells us more…
How do you prepare for fitness contests?
I keep myself fit 24/7 so physically, I’m ready. Mentally, I prepare myself by doing lots of visualizations. I imagine winning – that always powerful. Then, a week before the event, I try to relax and do unrelated things, so I don’t make the competition bigger than it is.
You recently shot an advert for Dubai TV, where you race around a track with a cheetah…
Yes, it was an amazing opportunity. They were looking for a sprinter with a great physique – and someone who wasn’t scared of cheetahs. Since I grew up in Kenya, I love wild cats. Although the cheetah was tame, there were times I was anxious being so close to her. At the same time, I also managed to connect and hold a piece of raw chicken in my hand to reward her after each run. It was such a thrilling experience. The director and the cast all called me the ‘cheetah runner!’
What’s your stance on taming wild animals?
Well, I am a big lover of animals (my family have a rural farm in Kenya where we keep 11 types of domestic animals, everything from chickens to buffalo). Obviously, wild creatures can be unpredictable and ideally they should roam around freely. I definitely don’t believe in keeping them as exotic pets. These big cats have instincts and can turn on you at any time. Try to tame a cheetah at your own risk – quite a few owners end up getting mauled!
That’s true! So, if you’re after a toned body, how much does diet influence your shape?
Diet affects your body shape by 50%. The rest is determined by exercise. It’s best to focus on eating high-protein foods that are low in calories and saturated fat. Try to eat a protein, a vegetable and a fruit at every meal possible. It’s vital to eat every few hours to help keep your metabolism high and your muscles fed properly. My motto though is this: ‘’Eating alone will not keep you well, you must exercise’’.
What’s been the most difficult challenge you’ve faced this year?
The loss of my friend and mentor Roy Nasr (the co-founder of TriDubai) who was killed while riding his bike near Safa Park, was really upsetting and hard to believe. I’ve known Roy since I was 19 – he was like a father figure to me. Sadly, he passed away a few days before I took part in the 2013 Dubai International Fitness championship. I am still trying to come to terms with this loss and need to give myself time to grieve. Roy’s death was also a stark reminder that life can be short and we must live each moment to the fullest.
What are your passions besides fitness?
I love reading, walking on the beach and eating Indian cuisine with my friends. It’s important for me to give back too – I’m passionate about my charity.
Tell us more about your foundation…
Sowo Kenya is a welfare organisation for orphans and widows in Nyanza Kenya. It empowers local communities by providing them with skills, knowledge and financial support, to help lift them out of the poverty cycle. We are supported by the Mama Sarah Obama Foundation, which is a blessing.
Lastly, what’s your idea of being Zen?
For me, it’s the importance of eliminating negative thoughts. Whenever I find myself being negative, I do my best to transform those thoughts into something optimistic.
