074 Interview: Sal Kassam

Welcome to this episode of the Fail Forward podcast.   In this episode of the Fail Forward Podcast, I talk to Sal Kassam, a Personal Trainer (PT) who helps men over 50 get strong.   Sal explained there are three reasons why he works with people in this age bracket.   After passing the milestone age, his dad experienced two heart attacks and was diagnosed with cancer.    Sal reflected on the change he saw in his dad during this time, going from someone he viewed as invincible to a man that was struggling. He considered the difference that diet and exercise could make in preventing health issues.    Coincidentally, his first client after qualifying as a PT was a man in his 50s. His client was experiencing problems with various areas of his body and was overweight.   Sal said that while many PTs would prefer an ‘easier’ client, he saw this as an opportunity to make an even bigger difference to his client’s life.   Lastly, he highlights that the PT industry targets people in their 20s & 30s who are looking to get lean. He said, ‘When you reach 50, various health issues often rear their head and specialist help is required - that’s where I fit in.’    Focusing on improving strength over cardio was a conscious decision by Sal. He explains that being strong helps people interact with their environment.    “If you’re a dad, you need strength to pick up your kids.” “If you’re a sports player, you need strength to hit the ball hard.” “If you’re an older person, you need strength to be able to walk up the stairs.”   Having the motivation to make changes to your health and lifestyle isn’t always easy.    Sal speaks candidly about motivation, explaining that it’s not his job to motivate his clients outside of the gym. He finds his client’s motivation often comes from understanding what they want their future to be and what it could be if they don’t make a change.    In true Fail Forward style, Sal’s journey leads you on a fascinating journey of ups and downs. His passion for strength and making a difference to his clients is sure to leave you inspired.    If you enjoyed listening to Sal, click here to find out more about Red Pill Fitness and follow him on TikTok @redpillfit.   If you’re enjoying the Fail Forward podcasts, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn for all the latest on my mission to help business owners Fail Forward.    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/failforwardhenri LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/henri-ghijben-539132101/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@failforward12 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/henrighijben/

Om Podcasten

Failure is only negative if you don’t learn from it Fail Forward is the weekly podcast hosted by entrepreneur and family man Henri Ghijben. In each episode you’ll hear from Henri and guests as they share real-life experiences of positives born from failure, reflections on the lessons learned from ‘losing it all, and what fuels Henri’s desire to help others overcome personal and business challenges in order to create the lives they want to live. Who is Henri Ghijben? Growing up in Bury St Edmunds, Henri’s first memorable experience of failure left him with the lasting ability to never get lost. It proved to be the first of many times Henri would fail forward. But it wasn’t until he faced losing his home, business and possibly even his family, that he realised the truth. Failure is only negative if you don’t learn from it. Against the odds, Henri has rebuilt from rock bottom. He’s now on a mission to help others avoid making the same mistakes he did, to help those facing failure see that there is a way back and that by failing forward they can enjoy success again. Ever thankful for the love and support of his family, the loyalty of his team and the help of business owners who helped him when the chips were down, Henri now lives in Southampton where he runs HRG Tree Surgeons, has growing property management and investment businesses and runs mentoring programmes for business owners, entrepreneurs and directors who are on their own growth journeys.