Bilaal Broadway is a man on a mission.
Bilaal Broadway is a man on a mission. Owner, head coach, athlete and mentor at CrossFit Fahrenheit, he has his heart set on spreading the methodology of CrossFit across Dubai and beyond.
Coming from a sporting background, including American football, basketball, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, track and field and national-level bodybuilding, he has taken what he’s learnt — as an athlete and a personal trainer for more than 13 years — and poured this knowledge into what he describes as “this wonderful era of fitness, founded by Greg Glassman.”
After completing the Level 1 Seminar, he began training clients on a freelance basis, but quickly realized, “the idea wasn’t spreading fast enough.”
Broadway decided to set up a box to get CrossFit to the community.
“I found the method to be so practical and an excellent way to improve the common folks in Dubai, as well as an aid in improving the local athletes. I decided to settle in one place to be more effective in representing CrossFit.”
He describes his programming as very textbook. “Mechanics, consistency and intensity,” Broadway explains. “We start with the nine foundational movements and advance from there.”
At 42 years old, Broadway was the oldest competitor at this year’s Asia Regional. He wowed spectators throughout the three days of competition, always with a smile on his face and a seemingly endless supply of energy and enthusiasm.
Unlike some athletes who found their Achilles heel on the grounds of Kyunghee University that weekend, Broadway displayed his well roundedness in gymnastics skills, met-con capacity and Olympic-lifting technique.
“I wanted to prove to myself that my programming was effective, and it is. I planned one year out from the 2012 Open season by following programming by Outlaw (CrossFit) and Optimum Performance Training,” Broadway says. “Combining these two methods, along with my own knowledge, allowed me to exceed beyond my imagination.”
Broadway left Seoul in 17th place.
“I was completely satisfied because I designed my own programming, trusted it and stayed committed to it. I trained smart, technically and strategically,” he says. “Being 42 years old is just a number. I am moving really well and making gains, so nothing can come out of this except victory and satisfaction.”
Broadway returned home and went headfirst into his offseason training.
“(I) decided not to take off any time. The sport of fitness requires a serious commitment and that is what I have done,” he explains. “To be a winner, you have to think ‘train and rest.’ My personal short-term goal is to increase my work capacity, produce at least four athletes for next year’s Regional competition and to partner up with Reebok and work harder in spreading the word.”
He encourages athletes from a variety of backgrounds to train at his gym.
“Whenever I am ready for a new challenge, I know that it is waiting for me in CrossFit Fahrenheit,” athlete Abdulla Alkhalafi says. “Coach Broadway guides me with well-organized, structured and effective training programs that always challenge me and make me stronger. I’m 19 years old and I don’t see any limit to my progress in this gym.”
Another athlete, Andy Rajakrishen, 29, says CrossFit has helped him stay fit as he approaches his 30s. “Since reaching my late 20s, I have found I am no longer able to eat what I like and train … without suffering from obvious consequences … CrossFit has helped give my training structure, and get my fitness regime back on track,” he says.
Looking ahead to the future, Broadway has big dreams and aspirations.
“I would like to win the Asia Regional and enter the Games as a 43-year-old competitor. I’m not thinking Masters yet because I feel like I haven’t tapped into my true potential. I live a pretty healthy life so the only thing I saw hindering me this year was experience,” he says. “As for Fahrenheit, I am looking to be one of the most well-respected affiliates in Asia. I want to be a major fitness venue, which along with other affiliates, is jointly responsible for increasing health and fitness awareness in the Middle East. Ultimately, I want to make a difference.”
Focused and armed with his approaches to nutrition, programming and business matters, Broadway’s dreams have a very strong chance of becoming a reality.
