Dare to be Great!
The slogan is tailor-made for Mike. He strives for it for himself and for the people he trains. Mike Al-Ansari is the owner and founder of Xtravaganza Personal Training. He works with small groups from his fitness studio in Diemen and recently also with small groups online.
The first acquaintance
Pirates need to be a bit fit, so we recently went to work out at Mike's studio. We wondered for a moment whether we were in the right place when Google directed us to a residential area. We soon saw the fresh and bright white doors and knew this must be it - right? It's always exciting when you go somewhere for the first time. When the door opened it exceeded our expectations. What a beautifully decorated personal fitness studio
A fit crew
Mike put us to work to personally experience what his training looks like. His enthusiasm is infectious and motivating. We went for it as Koffie Piraat crew and not unimportant: it was a lot of fun. A nice stress release and to get your body moving after a day behind the computer.
Online but interactive
As mentioned, Mike also gives online training. Mike has designed his online training in such a way that it is interactive. Something that you don't see much in the Netherlands. During the training, he can see you well and talk to you. He can therefore keep an eye on whether his explanation has been understood and whether he needs to correct you for the correct posture, for example.
Train at your own level
At Xtravaganza, the individual comes first. You train at your own level and work on your own goals. Mike's training is based on three pillars:
1. Preventing injuries. Everyone trains at their own level.
2. Fun. Because if you have fun you keep going.
3. Result. What is your personal goal? Xtravaganza helps you with that.
Possible fitness goals
The people who train with Mike all have their own goals. One trains to get stronger, another to lose weight, and yet another to perform better in his or her sport.
Knowledge and passion
Mike's love for sports and fitness started early. At just twenty, he studied 'physical education' at the University of Belgrade. He put theory into practice, started training people and also became an official referee for international bodybuilding competitions.
Dream in tatters
Serbia was caught in a war. “I refused military service and went to work for an NGO,” says Mike. “I did that for a few years.” In his spare time, he trained top Serbian athletes and built fitness equipment for his own gym. It was his dream to start his own fitness studio. Before the studio could officially start operating, however, he was forced into the army by the military police. He could no longer avoid it. He sold the fitness studio to a friend.
Start over
After his forced military service, he fled and eventually ended up in the Netherlands. “I worked everywhere and nowhere, in all kinds of jobs,” says Mike. “But I also started learning again. It is always good to keep learning.” Mike’s knowledge and passion soon brought him clients who wanted to be trained by him. And after he fell in love with his wife, he knew that the Netherlands was the place to pick up his original dream again: building his own fitness studio.
Personal attention
“Most of the people I train with have been with me for years,” says Mike. “It really gives me a kick to see them get stronger and healthier.” He adds: “You work with people and that’s a big responsibility. No two people are the same so I adapt my training to what someone needs. Of course I try to challenge you: if you dare to be great, I will fix you to be great!”
