By Kwame Bediako
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a renowned fitness trainer and CEO of Kfitness Chicago based in the United States, has unveiled his ambitious plans to promote fitness in Ghana, drawing from his extensive experience in the United States. Celebrating his 50th year in the fitness industry, Abdul-Jabbar’s journey began with Taekwondo, where he initially focused on helping parents maintain their health.
“I’ve been teaching fitness for, this is my 50th year. Started with Taekwondo and got interested in teaching the parents to keep them in shape,” he shared, highlighting his commitment to community wellness.
As Abdul-Jabbar reflects on his career, he expresses a newfound desire to assist the older population in Ghana. “Now, since I’m 70, I would love to start helping out the older population. Getting them more active, getting them more fit, thinking about health much more,” he stated.
During his visit, Abdul-Jabbar acknowledged that he has yet to establish a fitness club in Ghana but is eager to return. “I don’t have anything yet, but this is my second visit. And I have my non-citizenship card now, so I’ll be back in February to start really looking in that direction and getting my own place,” he revealed.
Abdul-Jabbar’s experience in various fitness environments, including Fitness One and California Gym, has shaped his approach to training. “Just pay attention to the population, see what they’re doing, and Ghana is really moving forward in the fitness arena,” he noted. His philosophy emphasizes the importance of listening to clients and tailoring workouts to meet their needs, rather than focusing solely on the trainers.
Abdul-Jabbar further stressed the significance of creating a supportive atmosphere for clients. “Leave your baggage at home when you’re training people, because people come to us for inspiration, for motivation,” he advised.
