As a new year begins, many of us are thinking about getting more active — but stepping into a gym can feel intimidating.

RISE Athletics coach and professional fighter Suleiman Bouhata says it does not have to be.

“You just have to open the door and to start your adventure,” Bouhata said during a recent appearance on The Eagle 93.5 FM Morning Show.

“You just have to say, ‘Let’s go,’ and try your best. Not just for this year, but for your entire life. That’s the goal — becoming the best version of yourself.” – RISE coach Suleiman Bouhata

Fitness for more than fighters

Bouhata is a lead MMA and Muay Thai coach with RISE Athletics, but he says the gym is about far more than competitive fighting.

“Honestly, at RISE, we have so many possibilities. We’re not just focusing on fighters,” he said.

While RISE has produced competitive athletes, Bouhata said many members arrive with little or no gym experience.

“I have people that barely go into a gym and after a few weeks, they start doing their first sparring,” he said. “And we still have a big team of people who never compete — they just want to train and stay active.”

The gym welcomes people from all walks of life: a 20-year-old who wants to train for fun, a 54-year-old preparing for a fight, or someone simply looking to feel stronger and healthier.

Bouhata adds that there are classes just for women. “Those women just want to get back on track a little bit — eat better, move more. Seeing other women succeed, and having coaches that support them, helps them believe they can do it too.”

Beyond resolutions: Setting life goals

Bouhata is quick to challenge the idea of New Year’s resolutions. “I’m not a big fan of the ‘start in January and never stop’ mentality. Every day, it’s tempting to stay on the couch, eating ice cream and scrolling through the remote,” he says with a laugh. “But you just have to say, ‘Let’s go,’ and try your best. Not just for this year, but for your entire life. That’s the goal — becoming the best version of yourself.”

Even seasoned athletes experience days they don’t want to train. So how do you stay consistent, when the couch seems extra comfortable? 

According to Bouhata, “The key is setting your goal and remembering why you started. Every time you hesitate, remind yourself: I want to be that version of me. That’s my goal, and that’s what I should achieve.” 

Start small, stay consistent

Bouhata emphasizes that fitness doesn’t require hours in the gym. “You don’t have to spend so much time. I start with a small session — 15 to 20 minutes on the treadmill, incline at the maximum I can, just walking. Low-intensity cardio burns fat directly. Finish with lifting weights, and you’ve transformed your session.”

He also points out that fitness begins with everyday habits. “Your journey starts in the kitchen,” he says. “It’s not about a single meal — it’s about what you do consistently every day.”

 

Related stories:

 

Taking the first step

For anyone unsure how to start, Bouhata’s advice is simple: “Stop by RISE and ask questions. The coaches will help you get started, explain everything, and guide you along the way.”

The message is clear: you don’t have to be a professional fighter to benefit from a gym. Whether your goal is strength, stamina, or simply moving more, RISE Athletics encourages you to show up, put in the effort, and take it one step at a time.

“Fitness is for everyone,” Bouhata says. “Come the way you are, and we’ll help you for the rest.”