What began as an excuse to get into shape, turned into a life mission for fitness model Annika D’Souza, who has, in her personal fitness journey, demonstrated that body sculpting is a technique best realised under an expert coach. It was her decision, three years ago, to take stock of her body, and, yes, lose weight, that pushed her first to the doors of a gym. “I had never been in a gym prior to that, nor done any sort of physical fitness activities,” she points out.
And it proved to be the right decision. “Within the first six weeks of following a balanced nutrition plan and training regularly – 3 times a week – with a professional and experienced coach, I saw tremendous results, not only physically (6kg loss) but also felt mentally stronger. I was more focused in everything I did; I woke up every morning filled with energy, despite hectic days!” she maintains, adding that every progress she made in the gym and in her physical appearance, acted as a spur to keep going further.
Annika, who was born and raised in Oman, comes from a family of girls (they are four sisters and she is one of a set of twins). Her parents have been in Muscat for over four decades; she has lived here most of her life, except when she went to India and then to UK for higher studies. Following the completion of her education, she returned back to Muscat to take up work as an events manager, which she pursued for five years before finding her call in the fitness industry.
She began by lifting weights and soon found herself orienting towards fitness competitions. Looking back, she says, “I didn’t have any idea of fitness competitions, not to mention that I would even be a fitness athlete one day. I started training simply because I was getting way too out of shape. The idea of taking the whole fitness lifestyle to competition level came purely from my coach. From the beginning, he believed in me more than I did, so when he started speaking about the possibility of taking this to the next level, I had my full trust in him. Today, I love lifting and enjoy my whole lifestyle; I cannot think of doing anything else.”
However, she is quick to admit that diet, or as she prefers to call it, nutrition plan has been the key to the progress she has achieved at all levels. “You can’t tone your body or reduce fat mass without following a nutrition plan religiously. This is very simple: you train to stimulate your body and then you feed it right and rest well so it can recover and become stronger,” she states, advising people on the fitness path to make training, nutrition and rest the main priorities. “Get these three in order; find a professional coach who has real experience of coaching fitness competitors. With the right coach you get on the right track from the very beginning – you will save a lot of time,” is her advice.
As a trainer, one of the inspirational transformations she has seen at SISU Fitness Studio is that of a client who lost 20kgs in five months. While this, she notes, is not an extraordinary event, what is of significance is the shift from fat to fit. For her, witnessing such a transformation and being a part of this life-changing experience, is the most inspirational part of her work. She strongly believes that the outcome will be more positive when one stops looking for quick results, shortcuts and easy ways.
In the near future, Annika, who recently won second place in the Show of Strength Singapore’s ‘Bikini Fitness Newcomer’ contest and 4th in ‘Women’s Wellness Fitness’, hopes to expand her Studio and compete in more events to get to a professional level.
The home I grew up in… Has been Muscat.
The moment that changed me forever… When I stepped foot in a gym for the first time, 3 years ago, for a consultation with my coach.
My greatest inspiration… My Coach. His passion for bodybuilding and fitness, and his drive to still learn more each day, after 30 years of doing the sport, is definitely inspiring.
If I could change one thing about myself… I have already made the changes I have had to, mentally and physically! I feel really good about myself.
I dream of… Stepping on the Olympia stage someday.
What I see when I look in the mirror… A strong, independent and extremely fit woman!
My greatest regret… Not prioritising my health any earlier!
You may not know it but I’m very good at… Singing and playing guitar!
If I have time to myself… I like lazing on a couch, watching Netflix!
My house is… Where I retire after a long day at the Studio!
My favourite haunt/holiday destination… There’s nothing like the Finnish sauna experience, followed by a quick dip in the Saimaa Lake in Finland.
My favourite weekend spot in Oman… Zen Asian Bistro! I love sushi for a cheat meal.
I will not leave my house without… My gym bag!
Things I like about Oman… I have lived here most of my life! I do enjoy walking on the beaches during the cooler months.
On top of my bucket list is… Obtaining my IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness) Pro Card – it’s what I am already working towards.
My success mantra is… Don’t ever settle! Do what you love doing and make sure that you focus and put your heart and soul in whatever it is you wish to do!
In 10 years’ time I hope to be… An IFBB Pro, competing in some of the world’s top bodybuilding and fitness events!
