That's a weight off his mind - and elsewhere

The Life: Many in the emirates may be looking to shed weight in the New Year, but Christian Goedden has already started before and after work. He discusses his quest to keep fit off hours.

Lifting weights can help burn off stress. Chip Litherland for The National

As many residents look to shed weight in the New Year, Christian Goedden has already lost 36 kilograms since June. The logistics company worker, who develops business in Dubai, talks about how he spends some of his time off hours trying to keep fit.

What was it about your job that led you to gain weight?

I'm roaming throughout Dubai, always on the street. I was eating toast and hot dogs; not always fast food. The turning point came this year, in May, when I had been on personal vacation to Germany. I was sitting on the airplane and was frustrated: in two weeks I gained about 3kg, so my shirts were pretty tight. This was one of my reasons I changed my diet.

How so?

I'm always trying to have some fruit, like an apple, or healthy stuff around. I try to have five to six smaller portions a day, rather than one or two big ones. I also maintain breakfast.

You used to play American football. What activities have you been doing recently to stay fit?

I was into weightlifting, five or six times a week.

Did that help burn off work stress?

Yes. When you're lifting and listening to the music, you're just mentally challenged and focused on exercise. For 90 minutes you can release your body.

You started boot-camp training sessions through Ignite Fitness & Wellbeing in Dubai this year. What is your schedule like there, given you are also trying to juggle work?

Every Thursday they run just a running session at 6am. Every Friday there is an overhaul where you have endurance and flexibility training - sit-ups, push-ups, core strength. On Sunday it's legs; you do a lot of lunges. A lot of running as well. Tuesday is upper body in the evening; we run and fill plastic pipes with sand to have additional weight. The boot-camp philosophy is you're working on high-intensity with low recovery to increase core strength, endurance and flexibility.

Do you ever just want to quit?

Certainly. It's also a team challenge where everyone is motivating each other.

How expensive is it to attend all these classes?

On average, Dh700 (US$190) to Dh800 for 17 classes.

Is there anything you do to keep fit that does not cost you money?

On my own, when I'm not at boot camp, I run between 6 and 9 kilometres, ideally on a Monday or Wednesday. On Saturday, I try to recover. I have a "cheating day" every Friday, and depending on how many calories I add, I definitely have a short run of 4km. In February, there's a desert marathon, which is also a team challenge, so I'm participating in that.

You have already lost 36kg. What is your goal?

I'm down to 88kg now. My goal is 3kg to 4 kg. I want to maintain 85kg.