You pound the pavement, pump iron, push the push-ups… Yet the results resemble a half-inflated beach ball more than a sculpted physique. Or, like many, your gym visits turn into “I’ll go tomorrow.” Frustrating, right?
Here’s the reality, though: going to the gym or following a certain diet aren’t going to turn your habits and lifestyle around. Not unless you first change the way you think.
“If you want the transformation, what do you need?” Yasir Khan, the founder of TYB (Train Your Body) gym, points out. “[The very first thing is] to change that subconscious mind, to change your habits, to change your lifestyle.”
As a well-known name in personal training in Dubai, U.A.E., he believes the secret to achieving sustainable fitness is through a holistic approach that blends mental reconditioning with strategic physical training.
It’s definitely an often-overlooked element. But Yasir’s guidance on this episode of The Mindalley Show with Vishen may be just the thing to help you crack the fitness code once and for all.
Watch the full 49-minute episode:
Why traditional fitness methods fall short
Walk into any typical gym, and chances are, you’ll see equipment for bodyweight exercises… Machines for cardio workouts… Maybe a studio for yoga or Zumba…
The common denominator? They all focus on the physical perspective.
The thing is, many of us were taught to focus on counting calories, logging miles, and pushing ourselves to exhaustion. And other than trainers (if we could even afford them) barking, “One more! You can do it!” in a symphony of sweat and strained grunts, we weren’t ever taught how to overcome the hurdle of wanting to give up.
It’s no wonder why a mere 1% of resolutions, including those for fitness, last less than a month.
“Changing habits and changing lifestyles is one of the biggest [and] one of the most difficult things,” says Yasir. So when our inner critic whispers doubts and limitations, even the most well-designed workout plan can find itself at the bottom of a trash can.
The thing is, even research shows that athletes with a growth mindset, who believe their abilities can improve with effort, are more motivated to train hard and embrace challenges. This fuels their learning, strengthens their resilience, and fosters a more enjoyable training experience, ultimately leading to greater success on the field.
The gym that transforms people is a gym that is not only focusing on the body… It’s the gym that pairs the work of the mind. — @ronandiego Share on XThe real question now is: could the key to lasting fitness success lie not in your muscles but in your mindset? It’s definitely something worth exploring.
Yasir Khan’s 3 keys to adopting a mindset-first approach
So, how does Yasir translate this knowledge into actionable strategies? Here are three key pillars of his philosophy:
1. Neurolinguistic programming
Even with a trainer doling out “you can do its,” that pesky inner voice sometimes just doesn’t want to listen.
Yasir’s weapon of choice? NLP (neurolinguistic programming), in the form of positive affirmations and visual encouragement.
“If your eyes are receiving something, the information, it stays in your subconscious mind,” he explains. That’s why Yasir designed his gym, TYB by Yasir Khan, to be a physical space for the subconscious mind—eight arrows as well as quotes strategically placed all around.
The thing is, the health and fitness goals we set, regardless of our body type, often put our mindset at “when we reach them, we’re done.” But according to Yasir, it’s a constant process.
“I want people to completely surrender to this system and understand that their mind can achieve anything and everything only if they agree,” he says, “and they don’t fall for these small, little things—the external things. More, they believe in the internal growth.”
2. Activate a neural state of mind
TYB isn’t just filled with advanced gym equipment. One fascinating aspect of it is its Mind Room, a sensory experience designed to induce a state of openness and receptivity. It’s here that Yasir helps you get into “a state where you are neutral” and highly receptive to positive change.
“Your brain functions in steps,” he says, explaining that the brain will have a “shock” and “you will not understand anything” if you’re given too much information all at one time. So through a combination of carefully curated lighting, music, and exercises, he guides you to neutralize deep-rooted patterns and plant the seeds of your desired transformation.
His methods are unique:
- Visualization techniques to imagine your ideal body and lifestyle.
- Mindset workshops to understand your subconscious and its impact on your behavior.
- Personalized guidance, ensuring a sustainable transformation.
While it surely helps you feel good in the moment, Yasir points out that it’s an extremely important part of your body transformation program.
3. Lifestyle overhaul to build sustainable habits
Weight loss, more muscular endurance, or just feeling better in your body—whatever you’re looking for, the answer likely doesn’t lie in another fad diet or grueling exercise routine. It’s building sustainable habits, which, according to Yasir, start from the inside out.
If you want to transform your life, it’s not about getting the body; it’s about the discipline and the lifestyle. — @yasirkhantyb Share on XHe understands that everyone is unique, with their own set of needs, preferences, and even sleep patterns. That’s why he makes the effort to get to know you, creating a personalized plan that seamlessly integrates into your life, not the other way around.
What’s more, building sustainable habits is also about accountability and inspiration. Yasir provides tools like booklets where you write down your old habits you want to leave behind and the new habits you want to adopt. This act of physically writing them down solidifies your commitment and serves as a constant reminder of your goals.
He also encourages you to share your journey with others for inspiration and connection, which can provide valuable support and motivation. The more you talk about your journey, the more you stay accountable to yourself and inspire others to get on their own transformations.
Putting Yasir Khan’s tips into practice
Now, how can you incorporate these strategies into your own fitness journey? Here are some actionable tips inspired by Yasir’s approach:
- Start your day with positive affirmations. Write down empowering statements about your fitness goals and repeat them daily.
- Incorporate mindfulness practices into your routine. Even a few minutes of deep breathing or meditation can significantly reduce stress and enhance focus.
- Focus on building healthy habits, not restrictive rules. Swap sugary drinks for water, prioritize adequate sleep, and choose whole foods over processed snacks.
- Challenge negative self-talk. Whenever self-doubt creeps in, counter it with a positive statement or remind yourself of your past achievements.
“The body will never work alone,” Ronan Diego, the head of Mindvalley’s Head and Fitness and trainer of the 10X Quest, explains. “It’s not about ‘What do I eat?’ or ‘How do I exercise that—poof!—the body pops?’”
Instead, it’s about your attitude toward your health and how you see your body and yourself. “Then the body reflects [that] through habits and a new lifestyle.”
And with a mindset-first approach and Yasir’s strategies, you’re taking steps to silence the inner critic, cultivate a positive outlook, and finally unlock your true fitness potential.
Let your change do the talking
That healthy lifestyle, head-turning body, or whatever it is you’ve been striving for—it’s all within reach. No, you don’t have to go to Dubai to seek guidance (although you absolutely could if you wanted to!).
Instead, Mindvalley’s 10X Quest with Ronan Diego, a revolutionary fitness program designed to optimize your body’s adaptive response, might be your perfect starting point. With just 15-minute workouts twice a week, you can finally break free from the limitations of quick fixes and build a foundation for a lifetime of health and well-being.
Remember, though, true transformation extends beyond aesthetics. It empowers you to live a fulfilling life, fueling your energy for family, career, and all that matters most.
