An ex teacher has revealed how he swapped the classroom for a life teaching fitness in Dubai – and says he has no regrets, and feels ‘much safer’ living in the UAE.
Adrian McDonnell, from Galway, was inspired to rethink his career and focus on fitness while travelling in California.
Working as a primary school teacher in Galway, he had studied for his PT Certificate and built up a portfolio of clients while working at a local gym.
However, in 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, McDonnell says everything changed.
Adrian decided to pivot, so he hired a mentor to help him develop all the skills and knowledge needed to launch an online fitness business.
Six months later, he quit his teaching job – and also decided to move to Dubai.
Adrian told the Irish Times: ‘There’s a very good environment of entrepreneurs and business owners and a very good fitness scene, so I took a leap of faith. I’m really glad that I made the move.’
Adrian McDonnell, from Galway, was inspired by fitness while travelling – and decided to rethink his teaching career and start a new life in Dubai
Moving countries presents a whole range of hurdles including passport organisation and getting a visa.
And Dubai, a Muslim country that abides by conservative laws, is certainly very different from Ireland. One positive thing Adrian noticed was the safety in the country.
He said: ‘You could leave the keys in the ignition of your car and your phone down in the gym and you know it would still be there when you came back.’
The fitness expert has benefited from Dubai’s passion for exercise, saying he has done well financially while in the Emirate, growing his business.
Now, Adrian runs McLifestyle Fitness. He’s a fitness coach, and shares his work via his Instagram account @adrian_mclifestylefitness.
Now, Adrian runs McLifestyle Fitness. He’s a fitness coach, and shares his work via his Instagram account
Adrian’s business has flourished in Dubai, he says – and he’s continued to grow his fitness company, leaving his teaching career far behind
He works with busy working professionals to help them reach their fitness goals.
Among other advantages to living in the UAE is the opportunities for networking.
Adrian told the Irish Times he could go to a place such as the Hotel Palm Jumeirah and network with more than 200 entrepreneurs.
He said it opened his world up, providing new experiences and contacts. What’s more, he is part of a 6am running club in the city.
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