Today, Instagram is a gold mine for the health-conscious, with the fitness industry turning to the popular photo-sharing app, to motivate people into adopting a healthier lifestyle. Abu-Dhabi based fitness trainer, Tarryn Hoffman inspires thousands of ardent followers with photos and videos of training routines and healthy food through her Instagram handle @healthyhoffy. Tarryn opened up to Tempo…
TEMPO: Who is Tarryn Hoffman?
I am 27 years old from New Zealand and have been living in the Middle East for almost seven years. I grew up as a high level competitive athlete in gymnastics, dancing and sport aerobics so transitioning into the fitness industry was so natural for me
TEMPO: What inspired the idea of using Instagram for fitness training?
I started my Instagram account in October 2013 back when I was personal training full time. It got to a point that Instagram had become so popular that my clients would constantly tag me in other people’s accounts and be like “Hoffy let’s try this tomorrow” or “Hoffy can you get me this equipment” etc etc. One night I finally said khalas why don’t I just start my own account.
TEMPO: Tell us more about how your Instagram handle @healthyhoffy is inspiring people in UAE.
For me I want my account to be as “real” as possible. I don’t claim to be anyone or anything. I just simply enjoy sharing my workouts and my meals with people and hope that I can encourage, motivate and inspire my followers.
I don’t believe in the way a lot of fitness accounts are used, to me, posing in your underwear in front of a mirror to show off your abs isn’t a fitness account. If anything I find it demotivating. These accounts have nothing tangible or educational that people can take away from it.
I want to use my account to share knowledge, ideas and to help people who are less educated in the crazy world of fitness. I get a really great response from my followers so I think/hope it’s working.
TEMPO: Your fitness style is a combination of calisthenics, power lifting and adventure sports. Tell us more about it.
Coming from a gymnastics background I have a very unique skill set. Calisthenics is huge at the moment and I love being a part of the movement of educating people to first be able to control their body before introducing external objects. I am very coordinated and learn things quickly in regards to my own body. However if it’s anything that involves balls or rackets I’m completely useless!
Recently I’ve really enjoyed Olympic lifting. My lifts are all self taught from watching other Instagram accounts. I am certainly no expert, but I enjoy it. I love the variation of having lots of different types of training to work on. I get bored very easily so the more variation the better!
I don’t really do adventure sports I’m just an adrenaline junkie so whenever I get the chance to bungee jump, skydive, or jump off rocks I do it!
Next on my list of things to learn is pole dancing!
TEMPO: You were recently nominated for Cosmopolitan M.E ‘Fabulous Female’ Awards. How did that feel?
It was very surreal and humbling to be nominated for the award and to be recognized for what I do. It was fun being involved in the photoshoot and meeting the other fabulous females.
TEMPO: What/Who do you owe your success to?
First and foremost definitely my parents, for teaching me a strong work ethic and good morals. Obviously being a high level athlete as a child it all comes down to the support of your parents. My parents are completely different which is quite funny. Mum was always very tough on me, wanted me to succeed and really pushed me to my full potential. Whereas Dad was an “it doesn’t matter if you win, as long as you had fun” type person.
Secondly is my boss, colleague, friend, and business partner, Yves Preissler. Everything I have learnt in terms of business since transitioning into my new role is all thanks to Yves. He is incredible at his job and such a strong mentor. I would be lost without him!
TEMPO: What do you hope to achieve?
I hope to achieve balance in my life. I honestly believe if something doesn’t make you happy then don’t do it! Sometimes I certainly struggle finding a work:life balance. I am very ambitious in both my career and my personal life so sometimes I over commit therefore it is easy to get overwhelmed and run down.
I want to travel a lot, learn a lot, and try new things daily.
I would also love to compete again, I just need to find the right sport!
TEMPO: Do you have any future plans/ventures?
World Calisthenics Organization is growing globally at a rapid rate so I am super excited to be a partner in that.
Multiworks (my main job) is growing and expanding throughout the GCC.
And I hope to open my own facility in the not too distant future
TEMPO: Any message you’d like to pass on to the community about healthy living?
Anything is possible! Love and respect your body and enjoy the ride!
Healthy living is to increase the quality of your life. It is a lifelong commitment not just a quick fix.
By Sheetal Raghunath
