"I've already turned quite a few people who don't like sports into sports canons," explains Daniel Aminati and is currently supporting a special project.
Moderator and fitness freak Daniel Aminati has a special mission: The 47-year-old is calling on users to get active in sports with the Facebook campaign "Bewegungs Was" and thus to support small and medium-sized companies that are particularly affected by the Corona pandemic suffer.
The task for him and the sports-loving groups on Facebook: To be physically active at least once a day for seven days and to post a selfie of the sports unit with the "Move Was" filter. Each participating group chooses a small company that they want to support with the campaign. The workouts are then used to collect points for the company and secure profits. The campaign will take place completely digitally from October 30th to November 4th. In an interview, he reveals how Aminati wants to motivate the groups and how everyone can keep fit during the crisis.
Why do you support the "Move Was" campaign?
Daniel Aminati: I'm excited about what we can achieve together. With the campaign, Facebook groups easily support their favorite small businesses. To do this, we just have to do sports and do something good not only for ourselves, but also for others. The nice thing about "Moving Was" is that everyone gives as much as they can, and together we move a lot. The small shops have a very special charm, so I want to motivate others to participate and to support our local pearls in this context. I look forward to the results.
How do you intend to motivate the numerous groups to exercise?
Aminati: I've already turned quite a few people who don't like sports into sports canons – so I know how to make Germany sweat. I will post inspiring videos of my training sessions every day and give tips on how to persevere so that we can make a difference together
Why is it so important to keep fit right now?
Aminati: Many people's everyday lives have changed. Let's just take a look at the work situation: Home office is currently on the agenda for many. Exercise is usually neglected, although exercise in particular helps keep body and mind fit. And how great it is when we can not only do something for ourselves with a little sport, but can also make a difference for others. I think like the Dalai Lama: the main goal in life is to help others.
How often do you exercise yourself during the week and what do you like to do most?
Aminati: I exercise six times a week. It has now become a ritual for me, an appointment with myself. I call this time "quality time". In these 45 to 60 minutes at most, there are no distractions, no availability. A blessing in this day and age. Since I exercise almost every day, I design my workouts differently. I do strength training two to three days, and once or twice a week I do cardio, that is, I jog or I sit on my spinning bike or I box. I also like to do a HIIT, a high-intensity interval training, for example a body weight workout.
Given the current situation, many find it difficult to keep up the motivation to exercise. How can we effectively fight the corona kilos?
Aminati: As is so often the case, it is the way of looking at things, and the familiar half-empty or half-full glass: we often only get the idea of doing something for ourselves when a pain threshold has been reached or when there is simply no other way. For example, when the New Year approaches, you are ready to change things or try again. As the saying goes: Times of crisis are wake-up times, because every crisis also conceals something positive. Often things are difficult because we make them difficult, because we are not used to it. I find it important and helpful to make a plan and follow it up and stick with it. We should dare to go new ways, transform the negative into something positive and find people in the environment who support one in the project.
How can you keep fit at home and in the home office and what do you have to consider?
Aminati: The most important thing is to get moving. We often fail because we put too much pressure on ourselves at the beginning. No mountain in the world can be climbed in one step. Use the salami technique, slice by slice or step by step. There are actually no excuses, because you always have your gym with you and that is your body. You can train wonderfully and adequately with the so-called body workout at home. Three times 20 minutes a week is enough to send your body the right signals. If you also pay attention to your diet, you will see that your energy and your quality of life automatically improve. In the office or in the home office, it is very important to take small breaks again and again, for example by opening the window and taking a breath of fresh air, or occasionally doing little meditations. By that I mean breathing in and out mindfully for a minute or two while closing your eyes. This also invigorates and gives energy.
How much should you move at least a day?
Aminati: There is a rule of thumb in sports science: the pulse should be driven to the age-appropriate maximum once a day for about 30 minutes. The formula is: 180 minus age. According to this rule of thumb, a 30-year-old should exercise for 30 minutes every day with a heart rate of 150 in order to keep their heart, circulation and airways healthy. I myself stick to the formula: "Do what is good for you!" Do not overtax yourself, but do not overtax yourself either. No car in the world runs without petrol. With that I mean, if you want to go through the day with power, you can also add power to yourself. Always follow the good feeling and keep listening to yourself, because you have a reliable compass inside.
How do you pass the time during the Corona crisis alongside sports?
Aminati: I am currently very much concerned with the subject of psychology and personal development. Because now I'm not just a fitness coach, but also a motivational coach. Young people in particular keep asking me how I got things done in my life. In order to give them responsible answers, I am currently reading a lot and attending online seminars. The moderator's job is not affected by the Corona crisis, which is why I'm still in front of the camera at ProSieben. I remain optimistic and I hope that in the new year 2021 the world will return to normal.