KADER TOUATI

HEALTH TRENDSETTER: INFLUENCING TAHITI’S FITNESS CULTURE

TFM: Hello Kader, thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. To start, could you please provide us with a brief introduction to your subject so that we can learn more about you?

Kader: I am Kader TOUATI, a physical trainer for over 25 years, specializing in football.

During the period 1996-2000, I competed as a High-Level athlete in France, having the honor of representing the French Team indoors twice. Since 2001, I have been residing in French Polynesia, where I founded my own private coaching company in 2013.

Additionally, I have been collaborating with FIFA for 15 years as a physical trainer for high-level referees.

I have the ambition to expand my professional footprint by creating a Performance and Wellness Center, aiming to reach people from a young age, guiding them towards acquiring good motor skills confidently.

Currently, I am involved in the Olympic preparation of Mihimana Braye for surfing, for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

It is worth noting that 90% of my clientele consists of public figures, and my primary commitment remains achieving tangible and lasting results.

TFM: Can you tell us how you started your career in the field of training/fitness and what motivated you to open K Sport in Tahiti?

K: My journey in training and fitness began over 25 years ago, alongside my own athletic pursuits in France. Driven by a lifelong passion for sports and physical development, I chose to specialize in physical preparation, with a particular focus on football. After representing the French Team indoors, I felt compelled to share my expertise and aid others in reaching their athletic ambitions.

In 2001, I relocated to French Polynesia, assuming the role of Technical Director for the French Polynesia Athletics Federation.

In 2005, I ventured onto television screens, advocating for an active lifestyle. This fervor to guide individuals in their physical growth materialized in 2013 with the establishment of KSPORT, my private coaching company. Beyond business, it was a platform to share my passion within a sports-centric community. Witnessing a demand for quality training in Tahiti, KSPORT emerged as a solution, offering tailored services.

Its inception marked the realization of my vision to empower individuals to fulfill their physical potential, whether in elite sports or wellness pursuits. Today, I persist in refining our performance and wellness center, driven by a commitment to excellence and tangible outcomes for every client.

TFM: What attracted you to Polynesia, particularly Tahiti, and how has this island influenced you personally and professionally?

K: What attracted me to Polynesia,primarily lies in the richness of its culture and the natural beauty of its landscapes, as well as in the remarkable quality of its youth in terms of physical fitness. As a sports and adventure enthusiast, I was captivated by the numerous outdoor activities offered by this paradise island, such as surfing, scuba diving, and trails. My childhood friend, Olivier HUC, a renowned sports journalist in Tahiti, played a crucial role in my decision to settle on the island. I am deeply grateful to him for his support in obtaining the position of Technical Director.

From a personal perspective, living in Tahiti allowed me to discover a new way of life characterized by simplicity, conviviality, and respect for nature. The warm welcome and generosity of the Polynesian people enriched my life immeasurably.

Professionally, Tahiti's influence has also been evident.

As the Technical Director of the French Polynesia Athletics Federation, I had the privilege of collaborating with talented local athletes and contributing to the development of sports in the region.

These past 15 years have been the pinnacle of my career, as I was appointed as a FIFA physical trainer for high-level international female referees. The experience gained from collaborating with physical preparation specialists from around the world has been mutually enriching.

It is crucial never to underestimate the value of our contributions; on the contrary, each of us possesses valuable experience to share.I am proud to be part of this very exclusive group and to contribute to this community of experts.

What challenges have you faced as an entrepreneur in the fitness industry in Polynesia?

K: As an entrepreneur in the fitness industry in Polynesia, I have encountered several specific challenges. Firstly, the geographical remoteness of Tahiti from major urban centers can pose difficulties in terms of accessing resources and specialized equipment, as well as recruiting qualified personnel.

Additionally, the local market may be relatively small compared to more populated regions, which can intensify competition and require well-developed marketing and differentiation strategies to stand out. Limited infrastructure can also be a challenge, especially regarding the availability of suitable spaces for fitness centers and access to modern and up-to-date equipment.

Lastly, awareness of the importance of wellness and fitness may vary from one community to another, necessitating ongoing efforts in promotion and education to encourage the adoption of an active and healthy lifestyle.

Despite these challenges, they can also be seen as opportunities to stimulate innovation and create solutions tailored to the Polynesian context, while contributing to promoting a culture of wellness and health in the region.

TFM: What remarkable changes have you observed in attitudes towards sports and health in Tahiti over the years?

K: I have observed remarkable changes in attitudes towards sports and health in Tahiti.On one hand, there is a growing awareness of the importance of physical activity and health, with more and more people seeking to adopt a more active and balanced lifestyle.

On the other hand, there is an evident paradox with an increase in obesity within the local population. Despite efforts to promote fitness and well-being, there is still much to be done to reverse this trend and encourage healthier lifestyles.

“Kader is a great coach with a strong mindset, incredibly generous, and has supported me since the beginning of my career. He taught me rigor, discipline, and determination. He has knowledge that he loves to share in fitness and has been able to adapt to my sport, which is

surfing. So, he has the ability to adapt to any sport. But most importantly: he loves what he does.”

TFM: What is your vision for the future of fitness and sports in Tahiti?

K: I firmly believe that physical activity and sports are the best medicine against depression and play an essential role in the overall well-being of individuals and society as a whole. I want to see an increase in awareness and education about the importance of physical activity and health from a young age, starting from pregnancy and continuing throughout life.

It is essential to encourage people to adopt active and healthy lifestyles, focusing on disease prevention and promoting mental and physical well-being. Additionally, I believe in the importance of establishing a long-term program from now on to promote and provide children with all the necessary tools to thrive mentally and physically, to combat all problems such as idleness, obesity, self-acceptance, and to fight against harassment.

By collaborating with schools and educational authorities, we could implement an integrated program that emphasizes the importance of physical activity, balanced nutrition, and mental health from a young age.

This would help create a culture of well-being within the population, promoting healthy lifestyle habits from

an early age.

Outdoor group training under Kader's expert guidance

TFM: As someone who is often on the move, what are your recommendations for maintaining optimal physical fitness when away from home?

K: Being often on the move, maintaining optimal physical fitness can be challenging, but it is entirely achievable with some planning and determination.

To do this: Circuit workouts are effective as they combine both cardio and strength training.You can design a quick and effective circuit including exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups, burpees, jumping jacks, etc. These exercises require no equipment and can be done anywhere.HIIT sessions are ideal for burning calories quickly and improving overall fitness. They involve alternating between periods of intense effort and recovery.

There are many workout apps and videos available online that offer guided workout sessions anywhere. Whether it's yoga, Pilates, weightlifting, or cardio, you can find sessions tailored to your needs and fitness level.

Take advantage of your travels to explore your new environment and engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, cycling, etc. This is an excellent way to stay active while discovering new places.

FM: Can you discuss some standout successes from your professional journey?

K: As the proprietor of K Sport and a coach, I've been fortunate to witness numerous fulfilling triumphs. Among them:

Witnessing clients achieve their fitness aspirations and undergo transformative journeys through my tailored programs is consistently gratifying.

Contributing to the growth of young athletes and aiding them in realizing their potential is deeply rewarding. This involves organizing sports events, group training sessions, and outreach programs, alongside partnerships with local schools and sports associations to promote an active lifestyle within the community.

Representing French Polynesia as a FIFA fitness coachfor elite international female referees stands as a source of immense pride. This role allows me to share expertise globally while advancing the realm of football and sports at large.

TFM: Could you update us on your current projects and professional endeavors?

K: Presently, I'm immersed in several captivating ventures within the fitness and physical

preparation sphere, including:

Guiding Mihimana Braye in Olympic preparation for the 2024 Paris Games—an exhilarating challenge that presents a unique opportunity to optimize performance on the global stage.

Expanding KSport into a Performance and Wellness Center to offer new programs and services, broadening our reach to assist more individuals in achieving their health and fitness objectives.

Exploring the development of youth-focused fitness programs, emphasizing the cultivation of healthy habits and regular physical activity from an early age.

Continuing my collaboration as a FIFA physical trainer for elite international female referees, engaging with specialists worldwide to enhance knowledge and devise innovative training methods.

Additionally, I'm partnering with an exercise physiology expert to introduce lactate testing in Tahiti, aiding both novice and seasoned athletes in preparing for running and trail competitions.

In essence, my professional journey is characterized by dynamic and diverse projects, and I remain eager to advance the fitness and sports industry locally and globally.

TFM: Thank you very much Kader, for your generosity in sharing your experiences and expertise